The Dark Web - what hides in the internet's dark corner?

The Dark Web, often misunderstood and feared, exists as a hidden area within the huge space of the internet. It is accessible only through a specialised browser and offers users anonymity in a parallel online world. Although the Dark Web is not exclusively the domain of illegal activity, it undeniably serves as a platform for a wide range of unlawful transactions. In this article we look at the Dark Web, its use in the name of good, and the threats it poses to our society.

The differences between the Dark Web and the Deep Web

The basic difference between the Dark Web and the Deep Web is that the Deep Web has no "illegal" content. Access to Deep Web content is protected, above all by a login and password, by access through a company VPN, or it is available only through an internal search on a particular site. By some estimates as much as 90% of all content online is on the Deep Web. Unlike the Deep Web, on the Dark Web we also find content that is not entirely (or at all) legal.

Defining the Dark Web's purpose

Contrary to the general belief, the Dark Web is not exclusively a breeding ground for criminals. It offers individuals ways of communicating anonymously and provides privacy and security for those facing repressive regimes or simply looking for a safe space to talk. The Dark Web lets whistleblowers, journalists and activists share information without fear of identification. On the other hand, the ability to share information anonymously is a breeding ground for criminals of every kind. As a user you will find on the Dark Web a large number of discussion forums where people exchange their "forbidden" opinions and have the chance to meet and communicate with people who see the world similarly.

The Dark Web and privacy tools

Many individuals and organisations use the Dark Web to access privacy-enhancing tools and services such as encrypted email providers, anonymous browsers and platforms for secure messaging.

• Encrypted email - allows sending and receiving email with a high level of encryption, which makes sure the content of messages stays private and protected from unauthorised access.
• Anonymous browsers - let users browse websites and networks without revealing their identity or location. 
• Secure messaging: besides email there are also platforms on the Dark Web that allow secure sending and receiving of messages. These platforms often use advanced encryption and other security measures for protection.

How to get onto the Dark Web

If you wanted to look at the dark corners of the Dark Web, an ordinary browser will not be enough. The best-known platform through which you can get into the dark world is the Tor (short for The Onion Router) Browser.

This browser was originally developed by the American military, which reportedly still uses it today. Through this browser you get slow but genuine access, and you can even download it free online. But you can also use other browsers such as ZeroNet, Hyphanet or The Invisible Internet Project. Of course you must not forget security! In this case a VPN is essential equipment, as are regular browser updates. Individuals who want to use the Dark Web for investigative work should have the necessary technical skills and experience and also measures to protect their privacy. On top of that they should know the applicable laws relating to using the Dark Web. Find out what security rules are involved.

The Dark Web's content

Enough has already been written about illegal activity on the Dark Web. The best-known case is the marketplace (something like eBay or Amazon) called "Silk Road". This marketplace was opened by its founder Ross Ulbricht in 2011 and 2 years later it was shut down and its founder imprisoned for 30 years. Why so long? Besides weapons and banned substances, human lives were in play. But the Dark Web is not only about unlawful activity. Let us look at everything you can find on the dark pages.

Whistleblower platforms

Platforms such as SecureDrop let whistleblowers submit information anonymously and are designed to ensure the anonymous transfer of sensitive information. Their aim is to give a safe route for exposing corruption, unlawful activity or human rights violations, while protecting identity and the security of communication.

Uncensored information

Some websites give you access to uncensored information, free speech forums, or platforms for discussing sensitive subjects that may be restricted or censored on accessible websites. These platforms play an important part in supporting freedom of speech and allow free access to information. Their existence gives an alternative channel for communication and the exchange of opinions outside traditional media.

Crypto

On the Dark Web you will find communities focused on discussing cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology and related subjects, which serve as a source of information for crypto enthusiasts. The cryptocurrency Bitcoin is widely used on the dark web because it offers flexibility and of course the necessary anonymity, since users can hide their activity and identity when using Bitcoin. One common method is exchanging Bitcoin for online game currencies such as gold coins in games like World of Warcraft.

Historical archives

In the dark corners you can discover historical archives, government documents and other public records not available in ordinary browsers. These historical archives thus offer an alternative source of knowledge and allow the past to be explored from various perspectives.

The Dark Web and AI

Experts estimate that the Dark Web makes up just under 5 percent of all content on the internet and is visited by roughly 3 million users a day. Artificial intelligence is gradually reaching here too. An alternative to ChatGPT might be WormGPT, described as "blackhat" and available for 100 euros a month or 550 euros a year. Its competitor FraudGPT is promoted by its authors as an advanced bot for "offensive" purposes. Its uses include writing code, creating undetectable malware, writing phishing pages and finding security gaps. AI, on the other hand, is joining the fight against illegal activity. AI helps fight on the other side too. One of the first is DarkBERT, which was trained by experts from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) and fights criminal activity.

A warning about the Dark Web

The Dark Web is a good tool for the public, investigative journalists and above all those reporting criminal and unethical acts. On the other hand, through the Dark Web you can get hold of credit card numbers, drugs, weapons, counterfeit money or a "lifetime" premium Netflix account. You can hire hackers to attack computers for you. All of this you will find on the Dark Web. Browsing the Dark Web is legal here. If you do not want to act unlawfully, you must not buy or sell illegal goods or services through the Dark Web. And above all remember: you bear full responsibility for what you do on the Dark Web!