The TOR Project outlined a timeline in https://blog.torproject.org/v2-deprecation-timeline, where they state that in October 2021 the old v2 hidden services will stop working.
This will take place when a new version of TOR and the TOR browser will be released at that date.
Why Will V2 .Onions Be Depreciated?
The short v2 .onion sites have been around since over 10 years, so why would the be removed from TOR now?
The answer this you need to understand that the xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.onion is basically a public key, and who controls the private key can run the website.
The problem is the public and private keys used for v2 .onion sites are no longer considered secure.
So instead of waiting for hacks to happen, the TOR project decided to remove the old style dark web links from the TOR software.
Instead you can now use the v3 .onion addresses which are much longer and provide state of the art encryption security.
Until quantom computers become a thing, the new v3 dark web links will be secure enough for even the darkest hidden services.
What Do I Need To Do?
All you have to do to continue to access the dark web, is updating your TOR browser in october of 2021.
Other than that there is nothing you have to do.
Of course you can bookmark DARKWEBLINKS to have the latest v3 dark web links available to you.
Also we would be happy if you could share the link to our site, or if you copy the .onion list on the main page to your site or social media.
The more awareness and users we will get, the more .onion links we can provide on this site in the future. And to make sure we will only list the best and currently active dark web sites in 2021.
What Hidden Service Operators Need To Do
If you are a hidden service operator, you should update the TOR client and create a new v3 .onion.
Then make sure all your users will know the new v3 link in advance before the v2 is switched off.
Ideally do this before summer 2021, to not risk losing users because they did not bookmark your new URL.