The Dark Web Explained: What It Is, How to Access It, and Why People Use It

 Dark Web

The "dark web" is a hidden section of the internet, accessible only through specialized software like the Tor browser, where websites are encrypted and use unique .onion domain names, allowing users to browse anonymously while concealing their identity and location, often used for both legal and illegal activities like political activism, private communication, and unfortunately, illicit markets for drugs, stolen data, and other unlawful goods.

Access:

To access the dark web, you need a specific browser like Tor (The Onion Router). This browser routes your internet traffic through a network of relays that obscures your origin.

Domain names:

Dark web websites use unique addresses ending with ".onion."

Privacy focus:

People use the dark web primarily to maintain anonymity and privacy online.

Legal and illegal activities:

While some legitimate uses exist, like whistleblowing and political activism, the dark web is often associated with illegal activities, including drug trafficking, arms dealing, and selling stolen data.

Related terms:

Deep web:

A broader term encompassing any part of the internet not indexed by search engines, including parts of the dark web.

Hidden web:

Another term for the deep web indicates content not readily accessible through standard search methods.