Deep Web, Dark Web, Dark Internet
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, but there are also legitimate uses for the dark web.
Illegal Activities on the Dark Web
Can I remove my email from dark web?
Note that a Dark Web scan does NOT automatically remove your compromised information from the Dark Web. It simply alerts you that the information is out there. There is no Dark Web manager to call to request its removal; it's up to you to take action from there.
Drugs and Other Illicit Goods: The dark web is often used for the sale of illegal drugs, weapons, and other illicit goods. These marketplaces operate using cryptocurrencies, making it difficult for law enforcement to track transactions.
Stolen Data: The dark web is also a popular place for the sale of stolen data, such as credit card information, personal identification information, and login credentials.
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Tor uses an encryption method based around “onion routing,” which is where it derives its name. Along with the illegal stuff, there are also many legitimate networks such as chess clubs, social networks, hard-to-find books, and collectibles, as well as chat rooms for innocent purposes. Additionally, you will find a few whistleblower sites and political news forums for people who live in countries where “free speech” is not allowed. Tor and other onion routers like I2P, Freenet and Subgraph OS aren’t the only way to mask your identity online, but they are the most comprehensive.
Hacking Services: Some users of the dark web offer hacking services, such as DDoS attacks, data breaches, and the creation of malware.
Not only does Tor’s encryption system keep your activity anonymous, it keeps host websites hidden too. You can see why this ecosystem would be so attractive to those involved in criminal activity. The dark web lives on the Tor ecosystem and can only be accessed through the Tor browser. It’s a free, open-source software using a global network of servers to help you stay anonymous online.
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Legitimate Uses of the Dark Web
While the dark web is often associated with illegal activities, there are also legitimate uses for this part of the internet. Here are a few examples:
Webmasters create these sites to prevent their users from being tracked for various reasons. Journalists and activists sometimes use these sites to protect their anonymity. However, criminals also use darknet websites and forums for activities ranging from drug purchasing to selling sensitive personal information. However, thanks to Tor’s onion routing, your online activity is encrypted and hidden from view.
- Whistleblowing: The dark web can provide a safe space for whistleblowers to share sensitive information without fear of retribution.
- Political Activism: Activists and journalists in repressive regimes can use the dark web to communicate and share information safely.
- Privacy and Anonymity: The dark web can provide a higher level of privacy and anonymity than the surface web, making it a useful tool for individuals who want to keep their online activities private.
FAQs
What is the difference between the dark web and the deep web?
The deep web refers to all parts of the internet that are not indexed by search engines. The dark web is a small subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and requires special software to access.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
How do I stop myself from being Googled?
If you want Google to remove information from its search, you must complete a removal request. Visit Google's Request to Remove Personal Information form and select Remove information you see in Google Search.
Illegal drug marketplaces like the Silk Road have been hijacked for police surveillance in the past. By utilizing custom software to infiltrate and analyze activity, this has allowed law officials to discover user identities of patrons and bystanders alike. Even if you never make a purchase, you could be watched and incriminate yourself for other activities later in life. The deep web rests below the surface and accounts for approximately 90% of all websites. This would be the part of an iceberg beneath the water, much larger than the surface web. In fact, this hidden web is so large that it’s impossible to discover exactly how many pages or websites are active at any one time.
No, it is not illegal to access the dark web. However, many of the activities that take place on the dark web are illegal, and accessing these sites could potentially lead to legal consequences.
How do I access the dark web?
- All of these mainstream websites offer dark web access because of the privacy and freedom of information advantages it offers.
- When making purchases on the dark web, protect yourself by using anonymized account information and cryptocurrency whenever possible.
- As hoped, the Tor anonymous network grew in popularity among computer enthusiasts, privacy advocates, journalists, dissidents under repressive governments, and others desirous of strict secrecy.
- In the 1990s, as internet usage grew, people became worried about their privacy and safety.
To access the dark web, you will need to use a special browser, such as Tor, which can be downloaded for free. Once you have installed the browser, you can access dark web sites by using their .onion URLs.
Is the dark web dangerous?
The dark web can be a dangerous place, as it is often used for illegal activities. However, as long as you take appropriate precautions, such as using a VPN and avoiding illegal sites, you can minimize your risk.
How much of the internet is the dark web?
The dark web is a subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden, requiring a specific browser—Tor—to access, as explained below. No one really knows the size of the dark web, but most estimates put it at around 5% of the total internet.
