Before checking that, is the Dark Web Inherently Dangerous? Let's first understand about the dark web. The Dark Web is the deep, hidden part of the internet; if 10 percent of the data is accessible through your search engines, the remaining 90 per cent is data belonging to the Dark Web, which is not accessible to everyone. We'll cover in detail what this data is used for, why people access it, and whether it is truly dangerous in everything in this article.
What are the Dark Web & Deep Web?
Firstly, the dark web and deep web are similar but not the same; they are not just different terms but completely different. Actually, the internet is divided into three layers: the first is the surface layer, which we can access through URLs, and everyone knows about it.
Then there's the second layer, which almost everyone knows about too; this includes everything where we share our data on websites or apps to gain access. This includes Netflix, Google Drive, etc. Interestingly, ChatGPT is also included in this layer.
Suppose you want to test how much ChatGPT knows about you. In that case, you can check by using this prompt: “Based on my previous discussion with you, can you tell me what you know about me?” it’ll give you a short overview, providing insight into the type of discussions you've had, and it might even give you feedback about your personality. It is clear that most of the content about us is available on the deep web.
The third layer is the dark web. It cannot be accessed directly; you have to use a TOR browser to reach it. People usually believe that illegal activities are the main purpose of the dark web, that’s not entirely true. Many people also use it for anonymous browsing, whistleblowing, and secure communication.
Who Discovered the Dark Web?
The first traces of the dark web today took shape in the form of the Onion Router-Tor in 2002. Invented by the Naval Research Laboratory initially for U.S. intelligence to browse the web without leaving traces, Tor routes communication through many different computers, called nodes, before reaching its destination.
First, of course, there was Freenet—what might have been considered an even more innovative brainchild, belonging to one Ian Clarke of Ireland, from March 2000. This student's idea first implemented anonymizing online interactions via a truly distributed architecture.
Combined, both would be a gateway to what eventually started being referred to as the "dark web." Tor quickly became synonymous with anonymous access to the Internet and secret websites.
Is Drak Web Inherently Dangerous? Browse on Dark Web Safe?
The dark web is frequently linked with dangerious activities. People use it to store information, sell drugs, and engage in many other illegal actions, including storing data from other countries. However, the dark web is not only for these purposes; it can also be used for safe browsing and gaining knowledge.
Browsing the dark web is not wrong. You can search for whatever you like. However, it is important to have a good understanding of networks and the internet before accessing it. Visiting anonymous websites may put you under government monitoring. Using the dark web to spread viruses, steal information, or for other illegal activities can lead to serious consequences. Engaging in such activities can be very dangerous.
How to Browse the Dark Web Safely & Legally?
First and foremost, safety should be considered when accessing the dark web. Before accessing anything, make sure your device has the latest security updates. A good, trusted VPN service provides extra protection for your online activities.
Similarly, having good security software on your system can help identify and block potential threats. Remember to keep all of your security tools and software updated regularly for maximum protection.
Facts & Realities Of Dark Web
Size of Dark Web
The size of the dark web is not as huge as people think. Many people think the dark web & the deep web are the same. But the deep web has a lot of information & data, while the dark web is very limited.
You’ll find millions of active websites on the internet, but on the dark web, you will only see around 60,000 active websites. It shows only about 0.01% of the total internet. What’s even more interesting is that if there are 50,000 total active websites, only about 10,000 of them are active on any given day.
Facebook Secret
Facebook runs its 'own secret' site through the dark web, much like the normal Fb. An estimated 1 million people access this hidden version of Facebook every month, especially in countries where normal Facebook is banned.
This special version lets journalists, activists, and people living under quite strict governments keep in touch. It works exactly like normal Facebook but is much harder to trace. Thus, Facebook started this service in 2014, and it continues to run strong.
Website Active Duration On Dark Web
Dark web PR websites do not stay active for a long time. At most, these websites remain active for about 50 days before moving to a different address. In contrast, if we look at the normal web, a website can stay active for years. However, the dark web is the opposite; even if you check the most popular dark web sites, they do not stay active for more than a year.
Why Owners Change Addresses
Since the dark web is completely anonymous, the owners frequently change the websites' addresses to avoid being caught. This makes it very difficult to access any website on the dark web.
Dark Web Payment Method
The old method of payment on the dark web is Bitcoin, as transactions are conducted through it. However, there have been changes, and recently a new currency called Monero has been introduced. People are now using Monero more because Bitcoin can be easily tracked, whereas tracking this currency is difficult. Even those who still use Bitcoin employ Monero to hide transactions after making them with Bitcoin.
Drop Dead Method On Dark Web
On the dark web, a new method of receiving goods has become very popular and is called "dead drops." People hide packages in public places, such as parks or behind buildings, instead of sending them via postal services.
The exact location is given through messages on the dark web. This method has become popular in many countries since it's much safer to use than regular mail.
Items are usually hidden in waterproof containers and picked up within 24 hours. This way, nothing can be traced through the post.
Is Paypal Transactions Possible On Dark Web?
Users can make PayPal transfers on the dark web, though these transactions remain extremely rare because criminals must use several masking methods to protect themselves.
Criminals risk exposure when attempting illicit transactions through PayPal because this widely used payment platform needs verified identity information. The monitoring systems combined with policies at PayPal function to detect suspicious transactions. It results in account termination or legal consequences if users perform illegal transactions.
Users on the dark web try to use PayPal transfers through money laundering methods involving account intermediary systems and purchasing gift cards. These payment methods often fail and cause problems, which result in user exposure.
The dark web uses cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Monero, among others, for payments because these transactions provide higher privacy than payment methods like PayPal.
Final Words
You may have basic knowledge about the Dark Web and whether it is inherently dangerous. However, it is best not to access the Dark Web. Even if you think you are browsing safely, you can accidentally land on websites that could raise concerns with the government and involve you in suspicious activities. Many aspects of the Dark Web can lead you to commit illegal acts, even out of curiosity. The consequences of this can be dire.