There is a lot of mystery surrounding the dark web. Accessing the dark web links can be a very risky thing to do which is why many people never dare to visit it on their own. So the only things they know about the dark web are the things they have heard from other people. This gives rise to a lot of misinformation, myths, and conspiracy theories regarding the dark net.
There is no doubt that the dark net is a very dangerous place and accessing it can be very risky but not everything you hear about the dark net is true.
Let’s take a look at some things that are not true about the dark net.
Not True: The Dark Web Is Same As Deep Web
True: The Dark Web Is a Small Part of the Deep Web
The Dark Web and the Deep Web are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. The Deep Web refers to the vast section of the internet that is not indexed by search engines. Such as private databases, password-protected websites, and online banking portals. So for example when you log in to your Gmail or Hotmail account and check your inbox, you are actually accessing the deep web at that time. So deep web isn’t something that can be considered inherently negative.
The Dark Web, on the other hand, is a small part of the Deep Web. That is only accessible through specialized software, such as Tor. Most of the Deep Web simply requires credentialed access for privacy reasons like your email account that can be accessed with passwords. The Dark Web is deliberately hidden to enable activities often intended to evade law enforcement.
Not True: The Dark Web Makes Up Most of the Internet
True: The Dark Web Only Makes a Small Portion of the Total Internet
The dark net is often associated with illegal activities and hidden marketplaces but it accounts for a tiny fraction of the total internet. Despite its sensationalized reputation, the dark web links represent only a small portion of the vast online landscape.
While the exact size of the dark net is difficult to measure, estimates suggest it comprises less than 0.01% of the total internet. This means that for every website accessible on the surface web. There is a small proportion on the web that is not indexed by search engines. However, it should also be noted that the size of the dark net is increasing with time.
The dark net’s small size can be attributed to its nature and difficulty of access. Unlike the surface web, the dark net was not designed for general browsing or commercial purposes. Even though it is being used by criminals to buy and sell goods and services. As the volume of business is growing on the dark net so is its size.
Not True: It Is Illegal To Visit the Dark Net
True: Accessing The Dark net is Legal
With dark mysteries surrounding the dark net, some people think that it is illegal to use the dark net. With all that has been mentioned about the dark net on the surface web, it is quite reasonable to think that the dark net is illegal. However, that is not the case.
Accessing the dark net is legal, as long as you do not engage in any illegal activities while using it. The dark net is often associated with illegal activities, but it is not illegal to access it. The only thing that matters is how you use it because the legality of accessing the dark net does not mean that visiting the dark net isn’t dangerous.
The dark net can be a dangerous place, with an extremely high risk of encountering malware, phishing attempts, and other cyber threats that cannot only damage your device but can also affect your personal life.
Not True: The Dark Net Offers 100% Anonymity
True: Using the Dark net Provides A High Level of Anonymity But It Does Not Make You 100% Anonymous
Using the dark net does not guarantee complete anonymity, despite the common perception. While the dark net offers a certain degree of privacy and anonymity due to its encrypted nature, there are still ways for users to be identified and tracked.
Furthermore, even if a user is using a secure VPN and accessing the dark net through a secure browser like Tor, their anonymity can still be compromised if they make mistakes like revealing personal information or using the same usernames and passwords across multiple accounts.
It’s also important to note that law enforcement agencies have become increasingly adept at tracking down dark net users who engage in illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, hacking, or child exploitation. They have developed sophisticated techniques for de-anonymizing users, such as using malware to reveal their true IP addresses. So you have to be very careful when you are accessing the dark net.
In addition to law enforcement agencies, criminals can also use de-anonymizing techniques to get your data like your real name and even your address. They can use this information to blackmail you.
Not True: All Products and Services on the Dark Net are Bad and Illegal
True: Not everything on the Darknet is bad; there are Some Genuinely Good Sites on the Dark net
While the dark net is often associated with illegal activities like drug trafficking, weapons sales, and other nefarious activities, it’s important to understand that not everything that happens on the dark web links is illegal. The dark net refers to content and sites that are not indexed by search engines and require special software like Tor to access. This level of anonymity and privacy draws those looking to engage in unlawful behavior. But it also attracts people with valid reasons to use the dark net.
There are several legitimate uses for the dark net, especially in countries with high levels of censorship and surveillance. In addition, there are real stores and social media sites on the dark net that are completely legal to use. There is a dark net version of Facebook as well where people can communicate anonymously. There are bookstores and genuine news websites. You can also find a dark net version of large news media outlets like BBC. The American spy agency CIA also has its dark net site. So there are many things on the dark net that are legal.
However, this begs the question, of the products and services these people are selling. Or the actions they are doing are legal; why don’t they just do it on the surface web? The reason is anonymity. In the current world, where so much information is leaked people have become concerned about their data. This is why there has been a surge in the use of platforms that offer anonymity. A person who is big on anonymity might not buy your product on the surface web but they might have no issue in buying it through the dark web links. So the dark net can give you access to a whole new client base.
Not True: Only Criminals Use the Dark Net
True: Journalists and the General Public Also Use the Dark Web
Journalists, researchers, activists, whistleblowers, and others rely on the anonymity of the dark net to access uncensored information and communicate securely. Without the privacy afforded by the dark net, free speech could be severely inhibited in places with oppressive regimes. The dark net provides an outlet that is very difficult to trace or block. Sites like Pro Publica are on the front lines when it comes to fighting against oppression. The dark net site version of Pro Publica has made it easier for investigative journalists to carry out their activities more efficiently and effectively.
The dark web is also used legitimately for privacy reasons unrelated to questionable activities. People may wish to keep their browsing history and online purchases anonymous from companies, advertisers, or others who could profit from their data. Online harassment, stalking, and other privacy invasions are also deterred by the anonymity of the dark web. So while the dark web has its dangers, it fills an important role in protecting privacy. And enabling free expression that should not be overlooked.
Final Words
These were some of the misconceptions about the dark web. There is a lot of information about the dark web links on the surface web but not all of it is true. Such misinformation has become prevalent in society because of the secret nature of the dark web. The dark web is a platform that is dominated by bad and criminal activities. Which is why it seems almost impossible to think that it can be used for good. Many people still believe in many of the misconceptions mentioned above. However, it is believed that over time, people will become more knowledgeable about the dark web and these misconceptions will be laid to rest.