Definition

The dark web has often been confused with the deep web, the parts of the web not indexed (searchable) by search engines. The term dark web first emerged in 2009; however, it is unknown when the actual dark web first emerged.^[11] Many internet users only use the surface web, data that can be accessed by a typical web browser.^[12] The dark web forms a small part of the deep web, but requires custom software in order to access its content. This confusion dates back to at least 2009.^[13] Since then, especially in reporting on Silk Road, the two terms have often been conflated,^[14] despite recommendations that they should be distinguished.^[1][7]

The dark web, also known as darknet websites, are accessible only through networks such as Tor (“The Onion Routing” project) that are created specifically for the dark web.^[12][15] Tor browser and Tor-accessible sites are widely used among the darknet users and can be identified by the domain “.onion”.^[16] Tor browsers create encrypted entry points and pathways for the user, allowing their dark web searches and actions to be anonymous.^[12]

Identities and locations of darknet users stay anonymous and cannot be tracked due to the layered encryption system. The darknet encryption technology routes users’ data through a large number of intermediate servers, which protects the users’ identity and guarantees anonymity. The transmitted information can be decrypted only by a subsequent node in the scheme, which leads to the exit node. The complicated system makes it almost impossible to reproduce the node path and decrypt the information layer by layer.^[17] Due to the high level of encryption, websites are not able to track geolocation and IP of their users, and users are not able to get this information about the host. Thus, communication between darknet users is highly encrypted allowing users to talk, blog, and share files confidentially.^[18]