This article gives you a quick and simple explanation about the dark web.
Here a fact: 90% of the Internet remains completely invisible to you.
Yes, there’s a version of the Internet your search engine will never show you. And there’s a reason for that.
It’s what lies beneath the internet you use every day.
Beyond Google and Facebook, there’s a hidden world called the dark web. It’s a place full of mystery. Full of secrets, and both good and bad surprises.
Let’s take a simple look inside this hidden part of the internet.
You can’t find the dark web on Google or other search engines. You need special software to visit it. One popular tool is the Tor browser. It helps keep your identity secret.
Think of the Internet Like an Iceberg
The internet is like a big iceberg. The part you see above water is the surface web. This is what you use every day. It includes websites like news sites, Facebook, and online stores. This part is only about 4% of the whole internet.
Under the water is the deep web. This part is much bigger. It has things like your email, bank accounts, and private files. These pages are not shown on Google. Most are safe and legal, though.
Inside the deep web is a secret cave. It is called the dark web. You need special gear (software like Tor) to get in. This web hides who you are.
You won’t know where you are. Why? The whole idea is to protect your privacy. At the same time it is used for illegal things.
How Does the Dark Web Work?
This hidden web uses special networks. They are called “darknets.” Tor is one of them. Your Internet presence goes through through many layers of encryption. This makes it hard to track you.
You use the Tor browser to visit websites that end with “.onion.” These sites are hidden. You can’t find them on Google. You need to know their exact address. Sometimes you can only access them through special lists.
What Is on the Dark Web?
Now, you may be wondering who uses the dark web. What can you find there?
Good Uses
Although the dark web is mostly negative in nature, it has some good uses, too. Journalists and activists use it to share sensitive information. They do it to avoid being spied on.
The same goes to whistleblowers. They need fear nobody when revealing the truth on the dark web.
Bad Uses
The dark web, as mentioned earlier, is a hotbed for illegal activities. Some sell illegal drugs, weapons, fake IDs, and stolen data.
For example, Silk Road was a famous dark web market for illegal goods. It was shut down by the FBI in 2013.
The dark web is also a haven for cyber criminals. It’s where hackers buy and sell stolen data and hacking tools. The dark web protects them from the long arm of the law.
Is It Illegal to Visit the Dark Web?
No, just visiting the dark web is not illegal. It’s a tool for privacy. But doing illegal things there, like buying drugs, is against the law.
FAQ: More About the Dark Web
1. Can I find the dark web by accident?
No. You need special software and addresses to get there.
2. How do I visit the dark web safely?
Use the Tor browser. A VPN can add more safety. Don’t share personal info and be careful what you click.
3. What’s the difference between the deep web and dark web?
The deep web has private pages like emails and bank accounts. The dark web is a small hidden part of the deep web. You need special tools to access it.
4. Is everything on the dark web illegal?
No. Some people use it for privacy and safety. But some use it for crime.
5. Can I use my phone to access the dark web?
Yes, there are Tor browsers for phones. But be extra careful with security.
The dark web is a secret part of the internet. It helps people stay private and safe. But it also hides illegal things. You must know how it works. Only then can you understand this hidden ‘secret’ world better.
References
The following sources were used as references for this
- Wikipedia. The Dark Web
- Kaspersky. Dark Web Explained.
- CISA – The Dark Web and Cybercrime
