What Is The Dark Web? Definition, History, Features, Disadvantages, And How To Use

If we say that today’s era is the era of the internet and technology, then it would not be wrong at all. Today about 70% of people use the Internet daily. When we search something on Google, use Facebook, or watch a video on YouTube, we are using a part of what is called the “Surface Web.”

But do you know that there is a huge part of the Internet that we cannot see directly? This hidden part is called the Dark Web. On hearing the name of the Dark Web, thoughts of fear and crime come to the minds of many people.

But is the dark web really only for illegal activities? Can everyone access it? And what dangers can it cause? In this article, we will learn in detail about what the Dark Web is, its history, uses, and disadvantages, and how to access it in easy and simple language.

What Is The Dark Web?

The dark web is the part of the Internet that cannot normally be accessed by search engines such as Google, Yahoo, or Bing. This is a type of secret Internet that requires a special browser such as Tor (The Onion Router) to access. The address (URL) of the websites present on the dark web is not the same as that of normal websites; for this, the “.onion” extension is used.

Some legal things also happen on the dark web, such as confidential conversations or sharing research data, but the dark web internet is mostly known for illegal activities. Such as buying and selling drugs, illegal arms trade, making fake documents, and hacking services. For this reason it is also called the “dark world” of the Internet.

The dark web is completely anonymous, which means it is very difficult to know someone’s real identity here. That’s why many people take wrong advantage of it. But that doesn’t mean it’s only used for bad purposes—many people also use it to avoid government surveillance, maintain their privacy, or share sensitive information in journalism.

Although accessing the dark web itself is not illegal, engaging in illegal activities there is a criminal offense. Therefore, one should always be cautious about its use.

How Does The Dark Web Work?

The Dark Web is a hidden part of the Internet powered by special technology. To use it, special tools like the Tor browser are required. When a person uses Tor Browser, his information does not reach the website directly but passes through many different computers (nodes).

Due to which, information like IP address, identity, and location of the user remains completely encrypted and hidden. Dark web websites are hosted on “.onion” domains, which are not visible to normal browsers or search engines and are not indexed by search engines, which helps maintain system privacy and anonymity.

History Of The Dark Web

The dark web originated in the late 1990s, when the US Navy developed a technology called Tor (The Onion Router). Its purpose was that government agencies and intelligence departments could send information over the Internet in a secure and confidential manner. Tor was later made available to the general public, allowing journalists, activists, and privacy seekers to use it.

Gradually this technology also started being misused, and many people started using it for illegal activities, like trading in drugs, weapons, and fake documents. In 2011, a large dark web website named “Silk Road” emerged, which became famous for selling illegal goods. After this, discussion started around the world about the dark web.

Even today, the dark web is considered a secret and mysterious place, which is used by some people for right purposes and some for wrong purposes.

Is It Legal Or Illegal To Access The Dark Web?

Accessing the dark web in itself is not illegal. You can visit sites on the dark web by downloading the Tor browser, and it is also legal in many countries. Many people use it to protect their privacy, do research, or avoid censorship.

But if a person goes to the dark web and does illegal work, such as buying drugs, dealing in weapons, or taking hacking services, then it will be considered a crime and can be punished under the law. Therefore, it is important to use the dark web carefully and responsibly.

What Are The Dark Web, Deep Web, And Surface Web?

After knowing what the darknet is, it becomes necessary for you to understand its types or how many parts it is divided into. The Internet is mainly divided into three parts: the Dark Web, the Deep Web, and the Surface. All three are part of the Internet, but the Surface Web is known to be the most secure and for common use, the Deep Web is for private use, and the Dark Web is considered dangerous and secret.

1. Surface Web: The surface web is that part of the Internet that we normally use every day, like Google, YouTube, Facebook, news websites, online shopping sites, etc. This is that part of the Internet that is easily accessible from search engines (like Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc.). It contains websites that anyone can access without any special permission or login. The surface web is only a small part of the entire Internet. The remaining part is the deep web and dark web. The Surface Web is completely legal and safe for common people.

2. Deep Web: The Deep Web is that part of the Internet that cannot be accessed by normal search engines like Google, Yahoo, or Bing. The information available on the Deep Web is password protected and cannot be accessed without special permission, such as bank accounts, private emails, medical reports, educational records, etc. The deep web is not completely illegal, but it is used to protect privacy and personal information. Common people are also using the deep web every day when they do online banking or log in. This is a large part of the Internet.

3. Dark Web: The Dark Web is that part of the Internet that is neither visible to normal search engines nor accessible through normal browsers. To access it, a special browser like Tor is required. The dark web is often used for illegal activities, such as selling drugs, arms trading, fake documents, hacking services, etc. However, some people also use it to maintain privacy. The dark web can be dangerous, so accessing it without knowledge is not considered safe. This is the most secret and mysterious part of the internet.

Features Of The Dark Web

After knowing what the Dark Web is, its history, and how it works, it is important to know its main features. Well, there are many facts to know about the dark web.

1. Privacy: The communication done in the dark web remains completely encrypted, which promotes privacy and security of the user.
2. Avoidance of censorship: In countries where the Internet is restricted, people can freely read and share information using the darknet.
3. Journalism and whistleblowing: Journalists and whistleblowers (such as those who expose government scandals) use the darknet to share information securely.
4. Secure Communication: In the dark web, a user can keep himself anonymous by using special software like Tor so that no one can trace his identity and location.
5. Research for legitimate reasons: Many cybersecurity professionals research the darknet so they can understand the threats and protect against cyberattacks.

What Is The Tor Browser?

Tor Browser is a special internet browser that allows you to use the internet while hiding your privacy and identity. Its full name is The Onion Router. When you use the Tor browser, your data does not go directly to the website but passes through several different servers (nodes). With this, no one knows who you are and where you are accessing the internet from.

With the help of the Tor browser, you can also access hidden websites like the dark web, which are not open through common browsers (like Chrome or Firefox). This browser is useful for those who want to avoid censorship or use the Internet secretly. However, its misuse can also lead to legal action.

Disadvantages Of The Darknet

1. Illegal Activity: Illegal things like drugs, weapons, fake documents, and hacking services are bought and sold on the Darknet.
2. Risk of fraud: Here you may find swindlers or fraudsters who run away with the money.
3. Viruses and Malware: Clicking on darknet sites can introduce viruses or spyware into your computer.
4. Legal Problem: If you do any illegal work on the darknet, you may be jailed or fined.
5. Misleading Information: Many times fake or false information is spread on the darknet, which can mislead people.

How To Protect Yourself From The Dark Web?

The dark web can be a secret and dangerous place, so protection from it is very important. First of all, avoid visiting dark web websites, especially if you are not aware of it. Always keep antivirus software on your computer or mobile to protect against viruses and malware. Never share your personal data (like password, Aadhaar number, or bank details) on any unknown website.

Use a strong password and change it from time to time. Turn on two-factor authentication. Don’t ignore any strange activity on your email and social media accounts. If you suspect that your information is on the dark web, immediately change your password and notify the bank. The greatest protection is to be aware and alert.

• Do not visit unknown links or websites.
• Use antivirus software.
• Use strong passwords in the system.
• Turn on two-factor authentication.
• Do not share your personal information with anyone.
• If you suspect that your information has been leaked, change your password immediately.

Why Is The Dark Web Not Banned?

After understanding what the Dark Web is, you might be wondering why it is not banned by the government. For your information, let us tell you that the Dark Web is also a part of the Internet, and it has been deliberately hidden from the public Internet so that traditional search engines cannot index its content. With this, no normal user will be able to access the content of the protected and encrypted website.

It is difficult to ban the Dark Web completely because it runs on a specialized network (like Tor), which is spread around the world and has no single center. The dark web is not only used for wrongdoing, but some people also use it to hide their identity and speak freely, do journalism, or avoid government censorship.

There are different laws on its use in every country. Technically it is difficult to shut down because it is based on encryption and secret networks, which makes it different from the normal Internet.

Conclusion

The dark web is a secret and mysterious internet world. It may be useful for certain needs and people, but it also has many risks. If you want to know what the dark web is, then first understand its advantages and disadvantages. Never get involved in illegal activities, and keep your data and identity safe. With the right information and vigilance, you can avoid the dangers of the dark web.

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