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The dark web is a hidden part of the Internet, accessible only through specific browsers. It is rife with illegal content, which could land you in serious trouble if you accessed it on more mainstream platforms like Google (where monitoring is a top priority). From drugs and illegal weapons to various types of scams, the dark web hosts numerous illicit activities. But it’s not all dark and dangerous.
There are legitimate forums on the dark web where users can interact freely. It also serves as a sanctuary for those who can’t speak openly in their home countries, allowing them to express themselves without fear of retribution.
Before exploring the dark web, make sure to take necessary precautions like using a virtual private network (VPN), selecting the proper browser, knowing which sites to avoid, and more.
The dark web has also witnessed significant moments in history, such as the rise and fall of influential websites, brilliant individuals making an impact in the real world, and the rapid spread of information that has shaped global events in profound ways.
Before you dive into this fascinating yet unsettling part of the Internet, make sure you know these 10 essential facts!
Note: This article is meant for entertainment only and does not offer legal advice. For any legal concerns, please consult a professional attorney.
10. You Can Access It Using A Browser Called The Onion Router (also known as TOR)
The Onion Router (TOR) is arguably the most widely used browser for exploring the dark web. It employs a unique type of encryption similar to that found in virtual private networks (VPNs).
However, that’s not the only layer of security you need when navigating the dark web. Some hackers have managed to bypass TOR's encryption, which is why it's recommended to use TOR in conjunction with a VPN for added safety.
9. Dark Web Websites Feature A Unique Domain Ending With .onion
This is somewhat of the “magic” behind how the dark web works. Most browsers are designed to view domains with standard top-level domain suffixes like .com, .org, and .gov.
However, sites using the pseudo top-level domain .onion can only be accessed through specific browsers like TOR. As a result, .onion websites are far more difficult to trace and report.
8. Browsing The Dark Web Is Not Illegal
One common misconception that deters many from exploring the dark web?
The fear of committing a crime simply by visiting it. This is not the case. No law is broken unless someone deliberately views illegal content on the dark web. In fact, accessing certain sites is illegal.
However, if you visit dark web marketplaces and merely browse the content without making any transactions, you're likely not committing a crime. It's also legal to participate in many forums on the dark web, as long as you don't use them for illicit business dealings or illegal activities.
7. Not Everyone Uses The Dark Web For Criminal Purposes
When you think of the dark web, it’s easy to imagine people using it to traffic illegal substances or share illicit content. You might picture the typical image: A person in a hoodie, hiding their identity in a dimly lit room, staring at binary code on a laptop while typing in a manner reminiscent of a hacker.
However, this isn't always the reality. Many individuals use the dark web to bypass censorship and share views that would be considered illegal in their home countries. This includes criticizing their leaders or engaging in whistleblowing activities.
Additionally, certain forums on the dark web provide users with greater anonymity and privacy, allowing for freer discussions on various topics than what is typically possible on the open internet (or the “clearnet”).
6. Silk Road Was One Of The Dark Web's Most Well-Known Sites
Before the FBI shut it down in October 2013, Silk Road was one of the largest and most notorious marketplaces on the dark web. Launched in February 2011, its goal was to host independent sellers offering a range of products, primarily illegal drugs and services.
Silk Road sold almost any illegal product or service imaginable, with minimal restrictions on what could be offered. When the original site was taken down, it took only a month for a new platform to emerge: Silk Road 2.0. However, this site met the same fate and was eventually closed.
5. The Majority of Websites Are Scams
The dark web hosts thousands of websites, many of which claim to offer various goods. However, if you decide to purchase something (which you absolutely should not), you’ll quickly discover that it rarely reaches your doorstep.
That’s right — the seller disappears with both your money and your dignity. And let's not forget, by purchasing illegal items from the dark web, you’ve just crossed into criminal territory.
Some marketplaces are even dedicated to selling tools that facilitate scams. For instance, sites like the now-defunct Silk Road used trust ratings for vendors. However, these ratings could easily be manipulated, with scammers gaining customer trust before exploiting it. Once their reputation is ruined, they simply create a new account and start the cycle over.
4. Most Transactions on the Dark Web Use Bitcoin (BTC)
Bitcoin is a decentralized cryptocurrency, meaning it operates digitally without oversight from a central authority like the US government. Its reliance on cryptography helps prevent fraud and counterfeiting.
Bitcoin, as a decentralized currency, is difficult to trace (although not entirely impossible), making it an ideal choice for transactions on the dark web. Since Bitcoin can still be tracked, many users opt for mixing services to ensure their transactions remain fully anonymous.
While other cryptocurrencies like Litecoin or Bitcoin Cash may occasionally be used for transactions, Bitcoin remains the most popular choice.
3. The ‘Deep Web’ Is Not the Same as the ‘Dark Web’
Surprised to hear this? You shouldn't be. There are two types of 'hidden' websites: the dark web, which is home to illegal activities, and the deep web, a broad term used for any site that utilizes a .onion link.
For instance, whistleblowers who use the .onion domain to expose government wrongdoing are not part of the dark web. They operate in the deep web. In contrast, Silk Road would be classified as part of the dark web.
2. People May Use Hidden Wiki Sites to Discover Links
Numerous 'Hidden Wiki' sites exist, some of which are even accessible on the clearnet. These sites are helpful for finding .onion links to explore.
Fortunately, most Hidden Wikis avoid linking to sites that are illegal to access. Some even speculate that the FBI creates Hidden Wiki sites to provide criminals with easier access to sting operation sites.
1. The FBI Has Conducted Sting Operations on the Dark Web
Occasionally, some links on the dark web won’t load or display a screen with the FBI logo indicating that the site has been taken down. However, this is just one example of legal authorities taking action on the dark web. For instance, Operation Bayonet saw Dutch police take control of the Hansa dark web marketplace.
