If an onion site (even trusted ones) needed to enable javascript is it safe for my opsec?

Hey guys im a new and recently trying to be familiar with the dark web and privacy related stuff so as a paranoid user may I enable javascript where needed or just don't go to such sites even trusted ones? Anyways pardon my grammar.

it depends.

if you use a personal website, owned by you, hosted by you, you own the bare metal hardware, you don't need to worry about opsec in that case.

if you access sites like tforum, yes, it is.

No, it is unsafe. Javascript executes code on your device, which allows for threat actors to run malicious code on your device.

Not saying that every website that uses Js will infect you with malicous code. But always ask yourself why would a website use JavaScript. If the existence of the website is for illicit purposes than there is no need to build the website on Js, since Js is is used for convinience for developers and user in website building.

Any website that has the user interact with the website due to the nature of the content like youtube it's best to use Js. But for a website like tforum there is no need to use Js, actually sus if it would.

Any (bad) website that uses Js is sus. Do not go on it!!!

On the darknet, javascript is instantly a no-go for me, especially if it's a market then you can be sure that it's a scam made by incompetent people. If you are looking at something like tforum where they probably wont use javascript maliciously then it's usually fine.

Good question and your paranoia is actually healthy here.

As masterpoo explained, JavaScript lets a site run code directly in your browser. That’s why on clearnet platforms like YouTube it’s normal, but on onion sites it’s usually unnecessary and can be risky.

falcon2 made a fair point: if it’s your own site on your own server, you control the risks. But if it’s a market, forum, or anything “anonymous” then like ChilledPiano said, needing JS is a huge red flag. Markets in particular shouldn’t rely on it at all.

General OPSEC rule: if an onion site forces JS, don’t use it. Stick to sites that work without it, or you’re gambling with your anonymity.

TL;DR — On the darkweb, JS ≠ convenience, it ≈ risk.

Practically Yes, Also @falcon2 's post above should also be taken in regard

for high-end threat models advanced MITM's can be used on sites like tforum, however if your a big target you probably wouldn't use tforum anyway, still its worth it to consider your threat model first when

Enabiling/Disabiling Javascript, for example.

Why do you think they made cookies necessary for every website?

Personally, I never keep Javascript enabled. It helps me cope with the "what if" situations.