What is the Dark Web?

The internet is a vast digital landscape where we browse social media, shop online, and search for information daily. But lurking beneath the familiar websites we visit is a hidden world that most people never see — the dark web. 

This mysterious part of the internet is notorious for its secrecy, where users can remain anonymous and engage in activities far removed from the public eye. 

As a parent, understanding the dark web isn’t just about curiosity — it’s about protecting your children from the dangers that exist in this shadowy corner of the internet.

How to Get on the Dark Web

Accessing the dark web isn’t as simple as typing a web address into the usual browser. Many people don’t even know how to access the dark web because it requires a special dark web browser. The most popular and user-friendly is Tor (The Onion Router), but there are plenty of other options out there such as Matrix.org, I2P (Invisible Internet Project), and FreeNet.

What is a Tor Browser?

The Tor browser is a specialized web browser that allows users to access the dark web. Unlike standard browsers like Chrome or Firefox, Tor routes the internet connection through a series of volunteer-operated servers, known as onion routers, just like a virtual private network (VPN).

What is an Onion Router?

An onion router is a crucial component of the Tor network. It encrypts and bounces a user’s internet traffic through multiple servers around the world, layering the encryption like the layers of an onion. 

This process makes it incredibly difficult for anyone, including government agencies, to track the user’s activity or identify their IP address. Onion routing is what allows the dark web to operate with such a high degree of anonymity, making it a haven for both privacy advocates and criminals alike.

What is on the Dark Web?

Tor users can explore dark web sites using .onion addresses, which function like the .com or .net domains on the surface web but are specific to the dark web. 

However, entering this hidden world comes with risks, as navigating it without caution can expose users to illegal content and malicious activity.

Dark web sites are not indexed by traditional web search engines, making them difficult to find unless you know exactly where to look. 

Some might assume dark web porn is the primary appeal, but the content on the dark web is diverse — ranging from forums and marketplaces to more nefarious areas. While some people use it for privacy reasons, such as avoiding government censorship or protecting personal information, others engage in illegal activity. This can include buying and selling drugs, weapons, and stolen credit card information. 

The Silk Road

One of the most infamous dark web marketplaces was the Silk Road. It was launched in February 2011 by Ross Ulbricht, who went by the pseudonym “Dread Pirate Roberts.” The website became notorious for facilitating the sale of illegal goods and services, including drugs, fake IDs, counterfeit currency, stolen credit card information, hacking tools, and even weapons.

The Silk Road operated using Bitcoin as the primary currency, which helped users remain anonymous during transactions. The anonymity provided by the Tor network and Bitcoin made the Silk Road particularly difficult for law enforcement to track.

The FBI finally seized the Silk Road website along with over 26,000 Bitcoins (worth millions of dollars at the time) when they arrested Ulbricht in October 2013. Ulbricht was charged with multiple counts, including money laundering, conspiracy to traffic narcotics, and engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise. He was sentenced in 2015 to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

What is the Dark Web Used For?

The dark web is used for a variety of purposes, both legal and illegal. Some users access it to protect their privacy, communicate securely, or evade censorship in oppressive countries.

However, the anonymity provided by the dark web also attracts criminals who engage in activities like drug trafficking, human trafficking, and illegal arms deals. It’s also a hub for hackers looking to sell stolen data, such as personal information and credit card numbers. 

What Does CP on the Dark Web Mean?

“CP” on the dark web refers to child pornography, a deeply disturbing and illegal form of content that is unfortunately accessible on some dark web sites. The anonymity of the dark web allows criminals to distribute and access this content with less fear of being caught by law enforcement. 

It’s important for parents to be aware that such material exists on the dark web so they can take steps to protect their children from ever encountering it.

Government agencies worldwide are constantly working to track down and shut down these operations, but the dark web remains a challenging environment to police.

Darknets: What Are They?

Darknets are private networks within the dark web where internet users can communicate and share information securely. Unlike the surface web, darknets are intentionally hidden and require specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. 

The most well-known darknet is the one accessible through the Tor browser, but there are others that use different technologies to achieve similar results. 

Darknets can be used for legitimate purposes, such as whistleblowing or conducting business in repressive countries, but they are also often associated with criminal activity, including the trade of illegal goods and services.

Deep Web vs. Dark Web

Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they are actually very different. 

The deep web refers to all parts of the internet not indexed by search engines. This includes private databases, email accounts, and subscription services, and is generally accessed using standard web browsers with proper credentials such as a login. 

In contrast, the dark web is a small, hidden part of the deep web that requires special software to access. While the deep web mainly contains legitimate, everyday online activities, the dark web is associated with both privacy-focused communication and illegal activities, making it more notorious.

Do Parents Need to Worry About the Dark Web?

The dark web is a complex and often dangerous part of the internet that most people will never encounter. However, understanding what it is and the potential risks it poses can help parents protect their children from inadvertently accessing it or being exposed to harmful content.

While the dark web can serve legitimate purposes, its association with illegal activities, including the distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and other criminal enterprises, makes it a significant concern for families everywhere.

Protecting our kids to ensure their own images are never featured on the dark web include the same steps we speak about often. These include education, communication, parental controls, and having privacy settings in place. 

Do you have any other questions about the dark web? Comment below and we’ll try to answer them.