The so-called “Dark Web” is one of the most controversial additions to the Internet since it became public in the 1990s.
Because the “Dark Web” is often linked to crime or bad behavior in the news, parents and teachers may worry about how their kids use the Internet. But they have some excellent points, and just like the rest of the Internet, any problems that come up aren’t caused by technological flaws but by immoral or irresponsible use.
If you’re worried that a young person you know is using these sites, educate yourself so you can help them realistically.
Table of Contents
The “Deep Web” vs. the “Dark Web”
The Deep Web
Most people don’t have access to this part of the Internet. Standard online search engines can’t find it, but there are other, less well-known ways to find it.
The “Deep Web” comprises databases that anyone can access anonymously through the “Open Web.” Some industries that use databases are the hotel business, e-commerce, healthcare, banking, and others. Password protection ensures that only people who are allowed to use the item, like employees, can access it.
The Dark Web
An IP (Internet Protocol) address is a computer’s or device’s unique number on the Internet. Most people use one of these devices to connect to the Internet. With the help of an IP address, networks can send data like emails to the right people in a safe way. A person’s IP address can watch and track their online activity.
On the “Dark Web,” complex algorithms hide a user’s actual IP address. This makes it very hard to track what a device does online. To use it, you’ll need special software. The most popular alternative is Tor (The Onion Router).
Every day, about 2.5 million people use Tor. Tor lets you connect anonymously to both the Open Web and the Dark Web, but it is not itself the Dark Web.
What draws people to the “Dark Web”?
People frequently use the “Dark Web” for three reasons:
No Identification
People may wish to conceal their online identities for a variety of reasons. In other cases, this is because their identities would put them in danger if revealed, such as in countries where the government prohibits free press or political repression.
Others, such as people who have been cyberstalked or are concerned about the safety of online banking, may use it to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of crime. Tor is used mainly by people who want to surf the open web anonymously. Hidden Services receive only a tiny portion of its traffic.
Accessing the Hidden Sites/Services
A Hidden Service, also known as an “onion service,” is a website where Tor protects both the user’s and the website’s privacy. This means that the site’s IP address and information about its host, location, and content cannot be found. Because the website name usually ends in. Onion, people often refer to Hidden Services as “onion addresses.”
Tor is not a Hidden Service in and of itself, but the sites it hosts are. Hidden Services can be used responsibly, for example, to report wrongdoing or to allow people to share sensitive information, such as about crimes, without fear of repercussions.
Services contain illegal content. Most of them require registration (username, password, etc.), and some have “VIP” sections that need an invite from the administrators or an application from a member the administrators accept.
Violating The Law
People who want to do illegal things online, such as sell guns or drugs, can do so through the Dark Web. People frequently refer to these services and the websites that provide them as “Hidden Services.”
How to stay safe on the Dark web
Even if all you do on the dark web is check legal information, you should have appropriate security software and keep it up to date. Using a virtual private network (VPN) on a public Wi-Fi network is a good start. If you’re concerned about your privacy on the dark web, you should consider using a trustworthy virtual private network (VPN) that encrypts your traffic.
There are more positive and negative things to consider, but this should get you started:
- Tor may be used to communicate discreetly with loved ones or to denounce wrongdoing since it conceals your identity.
- Maintain the most recent versions of Tor and Tor clients. Check that the operating system on your device is up to date.
- If you use Tor to access the web, you shouldn’t use your regular email address. Tor may help you remain anonymous, but a secondary email account may help keep your true identity hidden.
Conclusion
People who use the Dark Web don’t have to worry about being tracked online and have access to much-hidden content. Even though the Dark Web seems scary, there are many risk-free ways to explore it. Using the Dark Web is not against the law, but you should be careful.
