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Do you think that sites you usually use are the main in the internet and there's nothing more, but Google and Chrome? The truth is much darker than you could have imagined.
The dark web is known to have begun in 2000 with the release of Freenet, the thesis project of University of Edinburgh student Ian Clarke, who set out to create a "Distributed Decentralized Information Storage and Retrieval System." Clarke aimed to create a new way to anonymously communicate and share files online. But was it all worth it? Let's explore together more.
In the photo listed above, you can see three types of webs.
Surface Web: The Surface Web, also known as the visible Web or indexed Web, refers to the portion of the Internet that is easily accessible and indexed by search engines.
It consists of websites and webpages that are easily found through search engines such as Google, Bing, and Yahoo.
These websites are publicly accessible and contain a wide range of content, including B.
News sites, e-commerce platforms, social networks, educational resources, etc.
Surface networks represent a small portion of the entire Internet, typically estimated to be around 4-10%.
2 .Deep Web: The deep web refers to large portions of the Internet that are not indexed by search engines and are not easily accessible through regular web browsers.
This includes websites and content that is not intended for public viewing or does not require special permission: B.
Private Databases, Webmail, Online Banking Systems, Password-Protected Websites, and Other Restricted Platforms.
The deep web encompasses a significant portion of the Internet and is estimated to be several orders of magnitude larger than the surface web.
Although the deep web is often associated with illegal activities, the vast majority of the deep web consists of legal and secure services.
3 .Dark Web: The Dark Web is a small portion of the Deep Web that is intentionally hidden and requires special software or configuration to access.
It is characterized by anonymity and encryption, and users often use special tools such as Tor (The Onion Router) to access dark web websites.
The dark web provides users with a platform for anonymous and untraceable activities, including illegal markets, illegal forums, hacking services, whistleblowing platforms, and more.
It has gained notoriety due to its association with illegal activities such as drug trafficking, cybercrime, arms trafficking, and other illegal enterprises.
However, not all activity on the dark web is illegal, as the dark web also provides an opportunity for privacy-minded individuals, journalists, and whistleblowers to communicate and share information without fear of reprisal.
What should you know about the dark web?
This web has lots of illegal activity. Starting with coupon scams, where ultra-realistic copied coupons for common grocery items are sold, followed by a bitcoin lottery. Some users can purchase fake college degrees to pass background checks or obtain high-level jobs. Masks that provide complete anonymity are also available, and while they may be used by bank robbers, they are illegal in many areas. The dark web also offers items for illegal wildlife trade and even illegal animal products. For those looking to avoid corporate-driven news, there is a dark web news aggregate site called Soylent News. Social media networks like Facebook have dark web mirror sites, and even non-profit journalism sites like ProPublica maintain a dark web mirror to ensure their archive remain accessible. The discussion also touches upon a portable EMP generator sold on the dark web that can fry electronic devices within its vicinity, posing a significant security risk
The dark web is highlighted for its dual nature - the Dark and the Light. While some notorious criminal activities have been carried out on the dark web, such as identity theft and illegal marketplaces like Silk Road, there are also lesser-known beneficial uses. One such use is a chess platform, where users can test their wits against unknown opponents. Additionally, academic papers and textbooks, often expensive and inaccessible to struggling college students, are uploaded on the dark web, offering a cost-effective solution. Furthermore, journalists can use Secure Drop, a dark web site, to communicate with sources anonymously. Despite its ominous reputation, the dark web continues to pose a complex and controversial presence in the digital world
The red room legend, originating from the deep web, has gained widespread notoriety through horror movies, comics, and other media. However, contrary to popular belief, the dark web is now more accessible and even popular, with up to 30% of Americans reportedly using it. Though the exact amount of money spent on the dark web is unknown, it is estimated to be a billion-dollar business, fueled by the privacy it offers and the increasing use of cryptocurrencies. Despite the risks, the allure of anonymity continues to drive users to this mysterious corner of the internet
Conclusion
Although it might seem too interesting, I must WARN you that these sites remain ILLEGAL and prohibited in thousands of countries. Dark Web users employ anonymizing systems and cryptocurrency for transactions. While criminals engage in activities like terrorism and hiring assassins, there are also academic papers, cost-effective textbooks, a chess platform, and anonymous journalistic communication available. Despite the risks, its privacy and increasing use of cryptocurrencies continue to attract users.
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