Dark Web

Contents

Overview

The dark web is a part of the internet that isn’t easily found using normal search engines like Google or Bing. It requires special software, like Tor (The Onion Router), to access. While some people use it for privacy or security reasons, the dark web is also used for illegal activities. Using Tor in the UK is currently legal.

Dark Web and Deep Web

The dark web is not the same as the deep web. The deep web includes things like private email accounts, online banking, or subscription-based services that aren’t available through regular search engines, but are perfectly legal. The dark web, on the other hand, is hidden and often linked to criminal activities.

Illegal Activities

Many websites on the dark web deal in illegal activities. These can range from selling stolen personal information, fake IDs, drugs, weapons, or even hiring hackers. Just visiting or interacting with these sites could get you involved in illegal activities without fully realising the consequences.

Cybercrimes and Scams

The dark web is home to many cybercriminals. If you aren’t careful, your personal data can be stolen, or you might fall for scams. For example, hackers often sell stolen credit card details or offer hacking services, but many “deals” on the dark web are fake, and you could lose money or personal information by trusting the wrong people.

Malware and Viruses

Many websites on the dark web are not secure. When you visit these sites or download files, you run the risk of exposing your device to malware or viruses. These can steal your personal information, spy on your activity, or even damage your computer.

Dangers of using the Dark Web

Here are 4 examples of what could happen if you use the dark web:


1. Buying Illegal Products


Some people use the dark web to buy drugs, weapons, or other illegal products. Even though the transactions are anonymous, law enforcement agencies monitor the dark web, and you could be caught, arrested, or fined for buying illegal items.


2. Personal Information Theft


Criminals on the dark web buy and sell stolen data, such as credit card numbers, bank details, or login credentials. If your personal data is exposed on the dark web, it could be used for fraud, identity theft, or other illegal purposes without you knowing.


3. Phishing Scams


Many dark web sites look like legitimate marketplaces but are designed to scam you. For instance, you might pay for something, only to never receive the item, or worse, your payment information could be stolen and used for further fraud.


4. Child Sex Abuse Material (CSAM)


One of the significant dangers of using the dark web is the risk of accidentally or intentionally coming across illegal content, such as child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Certain sections of the dark web are used by criminal networks to share and distribute such horrific material, which is illegal to view, possess, or distribute under any circumstances. Even if someone accesses these areas of the dark web out of curiosity or without malicious intent, they can still face severe legal consequences.