The dark web — for the uninitiated — is the darkest and most unexplored part of the internet. It doesn’t appear in Google’s search engines or Microsoft’s Bing and requires special tools to access. It’s a digital “underworld” where illegal activities and legitimate, anonymous communications coexist.
Deep web vs. Dark web: What’s the difference?
Many people confuse the terms “deep web” and “dark web.” The deep web refers to all of the internet content that isn’t visible to search engines — like email, bank accounts, and subscription services.
The dark web, on the other hand, is a small subset of the deep web. It’s where websites are intentionally hidden and require special software, like the Tor browser, to access.
Dark web tools and services
To access the dark web, you need a browser that offers anonymity, with Tor being the most well-known. Tor uses onion routing technology, offering multiple layers of protection for your identity. In addition to Tor, there are other options for browsing the dark web, but they are less user-friendly.
To find websites on the dark web, you will need specialized search engines such as DuckDuckGo (with the Onionize option), Ahmia, or Torch. Addresses in this environment end in “.onion,” instead of the usual “.com.”
What will you find on the dark web?
The dark web has gained a reputation as a hub for illegal activities — from gun and drug dealing to hacking tools. However, it also offers legitimate services, such as secure email (e.g. Proton Mail) and news platforms for countries with strict censorship, such as the BBC and ProPublica.
Is it illegal?
Accessing the dark web is not illegal, but it does require caution. While you can find legitimate uses, the majority of the content is inaccessible to authorities, making it attractive for illegal activities.
Transactions are mostly made in cryptocurrencies, but remember that everything remains traceable.
Security tips
To browse the dark web safely, follow the rule of “look, but don’t touch.” Avoid transactions or communication with unknown users and use services that offer anonymity. If you are inexperienced, it is best to limit yourself to trusted platforms. The dark web remains a world full of risks — and as in any unknown environment, caution is required.
