History of the Dark Web

The dark web is a part of the internet that is not accessible through traditional search engines and requires specific software or configurations to access. The history of the dark web can be traced back to the 1970s and 1980s when researchers at the United States Naval Research Laboratory began developing a network of computers called Tor (The Onion Router). The goal was to create a secure and anonymous communication system for government agencies.

In the early 2000s, Tor was released to the public and became popular among users who wanted to protect their privacy online. The dark web, a small part of the larger deep web, began to emerge as a result.

One of the earliest and most well-known dark web marketplaces was the Silk Road, launched in 2011 by Ross Ulbricht. The site allowed users to buy and sell drugs, weapons, and other illegal goods using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. The Silk Road was shut down by law enforcement in 2013, but other dark web marketplaces have since emerged to take its place.

The dark web has also been used for other nefarious activities, such as the sharing of child pornography and the planning of terrorist attacks. Law enforcement agencies have tried to track down and prosecute individuals involved in such activities, and there have been several high-profile arrests and convictions in recent years.

Despite its association with illegal activities, the dark web also has legitimate uses, such as providing a means for journalists and activists to communicate securely and anonymously and offering a platform for whistleblowers to share information without fear of retaliation.

How Big is the Dark Web?

It is difficult to determine the exact size of the dark web, as it is not indexed by traditional search engines, and its contents are often hidden behind layers of encryption and anonymity. However, it is estimated that the dark web makes up only a small fraction of the overall internet, likely less than 0.01% of the total content.

The dark web is also a dynamic and ever-changing space, with new sites and services constantly emerging and others being taken down by law enforcement or other actors. Therefore, any estimate of its size is likely to be imprecise and quickly outdated.

What is the Difference Between the Dark Web & Deep Web?

The terms “dark web” and “deep web” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different aspects of the internet.

The deep web refers to all parts of the internet that are not indexed by search engines and are not accessible through traditional means, such as password-protected websites, private databases, and online banking systems. It is estimated that the deep web makes up the vast majority of the internet, possibly 90-95% of it.

The dark web, on the other hand, is a small portion of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and can only be accessed using special software or configurations, such as the Tor network. The dark web includes various illicit activities, such as black markets, drug sales, illegal pornography, and hacking forums. It is known for its anonymity and lack of regulation, making it a haven for criminal activity.

In summary, the deep web refers to all parts of the internet that are not indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a small subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and used for illicit purposes.

What Are the TOR and TOR Browser?

TOR (The Onion Router) is a software that makes it possible for users to communicate and browse the internet anonymously. This is achieved by directing internet traffic through a global network of servers, which conceals the user’s identity and location. The main purpose of TOR is to provide access to the dark web and bypass censorship and surveillance in countries with restricted internet access. On the other hand, the TOR browser is a web browser that uses the TOR network to offer users private and anonymous internet browsing.

It safeguards the user’s online activities and identity by encrypting internet traffic and directing it through a series of TOR servers. While the TOR browser is frequently employed to access the dark web, it can also be used to browse the regular web more securely and privately.

As described above, you can connect to the Tor network in 2 ways. Entering the Tor network does not constitute any criminal element. However, illegal activity will cause you to commit a crime. In addition, you can use methods such as Vpn over Tor or Tor over Vpn to increase your anonmity.

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