The dark web is a part of the internet that you can only access using special software, most commonly the Tor browser. This browser keeps your identity and location private. Unlike sites you find on the surface web, dark web sites can’t be discovered by regular search engines. While the technology itself is neutral, it has gained a reputation for hosting everything from privacy-focused activities to illegal actions.
To give you an idea of its scale, the dark web makes up less than 5% of the total internet. Around 2.5 million people use Tor daily, although this number can change based on world events and internet restrictions. Interestingly, about 8-15% of internet users have tried Tor at least once, often for legitimate reasons like protecting their privacy or accessing blocked information.
It is worth noting that illegal transactions make up only about 10-15% of the activity on the dark web. Common illegal items found there include drugs, stolen data, and fake documents. A recent study from 2023 suggested that around 35% of the product listings on these dark web marketplaces are related to drugs, amounting to an estimated $780 million in annual sales.
However, the majority of dark web use is legal. Journalists, activists, and individuals living under oppressive governments often turn to the dark web to protect their privacy and express their opinions freely. Interestingly, we see a surge in usage, sometimes by 30-50%, during times of political unrest.
Even though anonymity on the dark web is significant, law enforcement agencies have managed to pursue and arrest major criminals. For instance, the FBI took down the Silk Road marketplace in 2013, marking a notable effort in combatting illegal activities online.
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