is it illegal to access the dark web?

What is the dark web?

How to access the dark web

The dark web was once the domain of hackers, law enforcement and criminals. However, the advent of new technologies like encrypted and anonymized browser software, Tor (The Onion Routing), etc., has made it possible for anyone interested to dig deeper.

Tor ("The Onion Route" Project) Web browser that allows users to visit websites marked with a ". onion" registered operator. The browser was originally developed as a service by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in the late 1990s.

After learning about the lack of privacy of the internet, they developed an early version of Tor to hide spy communications. Eventually, the framework was repurposed and has since been exposed as the browser we know today. Anyone can download it for free.

You can think of Tor as a web browser like Google Chrome or Firefox. It's worth noting that instead of taking the most direct route between computers and the deep web, Tor Browser uses random paths to encrypted servers called "nodes." This allows users to connect to the deep web without worrying about their actions being tracked or their browser history exposed.

Sites in the deep web also use Tor (or similar software like I2P, or the "Invisible Internet Project") to remain anonymous, which means you will never know who they operate or where they are hosted.

Is it illegal to visit the dark web?

Simply put, it is not illegal to visit the dark web. In fact, some uses are perfectly legal and underpin the value of the "dark web". On the dark web, users can find three distinct benefits in use:

User anonymity

Services and websites are virtually untraceable

Ability to take illegal actions against users and providers

As a result, the dark web attracts many people who would be at risk if their identities were exposed online. Victims of abuse and persecution, whistleblowers and political dissidents have been frequent users of these covert sites. Of course, these benefits can also be easily obtained by those who want to act in other apparently illegal ways outside of the law.

From this perspective, the legitimacy of the dark web depends on how you participate as a user. You can fall on the edge of legal lines for a number of reasons that are important to the protection of liberty. There are also people who take illegal actions to protect and ensure the safety of others. Let's decipher these two concepts in terms of "dark web browsers" and the website itself.

Is it illegal to use Tor?

On the software side, using Tor and other anonymous browsers is not entirely illegal. In fact, these so-called "dark web" browsers are not limited to browsing this part of the internet. Many users now use Tor privately to browse the public internet and deeper parts of the web.

The privacy provided by Tor Browser is very important in the current digital age. Many companies and regulatory agencies are currently involved in the monitoring of unauthorized online activity. Some people just don't want government agencies or Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to know what they're watching online, while others have little choice. In countries with strict internet access and user laws, users often cannot even access public websites unless they use a Tor client and a virtual private network (VPN).

However, regardless of the legality of your browser, you can take illegal actions within Tor that could incriminate you. You can easily use Tor to try to obtain pirated content from the deep web, share illegal pornographic material, or engage in cyberterrorism. Using a legitimate browser does not legitimize your actions.

Is it illegal to use and visit websites on the dark web?

At the network level, the dark web is a gray area. Using the dark web often means that you are trying to engage in activities that cannot be done in public.

For government critics and other outspoken advocates, they may fear retaliation if their true identity is discovered. For those who have been harmed by others, they may not want the attacker to discover conversations related to the incident. An activity is illegal if it is deemed illegal by the governing body to which you belong.

Even so, since criminals and malicious hackers like to operate under its veil, anonymity has its downside. For example, cyber-attacks and illegal transactions are activities that are knowingly committed by the participants. So they take these actions on the dark web to hide themselves.

In conclusion, it's not illegal to simply browse these spaces, but it could be a problem for you. While not illegal in general, there are many places on the dark web that do see dishonorable activity. If you are not careful or if you are not an advanced computer user who is aware of the threat, you may be exposed to unnecessary risks. So what is the role of the dark web when it is used for illegal activities?

Types of Threats on the Dark Web

If you're considering using the dark web for basic privacy protection, you might also ask, "Is it dangerous to use the dark web?" Unfortunately, it's likely a dangerous place to be. Here are some common threats you may encounter while browsing:

Malicious Software

Malware is ubiquitous on the dark web. It is often offered in some portals as a cyber attack tool for threat actors. However, it also lingers throughout the dark web, infecting unsuspecting users just as it does on other networks.

The dark web does not have the same social contract as website providers to protect users on the web. Likewise, users may find themselves regularly exposed to certain types of malware, such as:

keylogger

Botnet Malware

ransomware

Phishing Malware

If you choose to continue exploring any site on the dark web, you run the risk of being picked as a target by hackers and other attacks. Most malware infections can be caught by endpoint security programs.

If there are exploitable vulnerabilities in your computer or network connection, the threat of online browsing can extend to the connectionless world. Tor and darknet frameworks have great anonymity, but it's not foolproof. Any online activity could reveal your identity if someone digs deep enough.

Government Surveillance

With many Tor-based sites being taken over by police agencies around the world, just visiting a dark web site risks being explicitly targeted by governments.

Illegal drug markets like Silk Road have been hijacked by police for surveillance in the past. Using custom software to penetrate and analyze campaigns, law enforcement officers can discover the user identities of customers and bystanders. Even if you never make any purchases, you could be watched and charged for other activities later in life.

Infiltration also puts you at risk of being monitored for other types of activity. In some countries, circumventing government restrictions to explore new political ideologies is an offense that could carry a prison sentence. China uses the so-called "Great Firewall" to restrict access to popular websites for this very reason. Accessing this content could result in being put on a watch list, or sentenced to immediate imprisonment.

Scam

Some so-called services, such as professional "killers," may just be scams designed to profit from willing customers. There are reports that the dark web offers many illegal services, from buying murders to selling sex and weapons.

Some of them are well-known and established threats in this corner of the web. However, other services may have taken advantage of the dark web's reputation to defraud users of large sums of money. Additionally, some users on the dark web may attempt phishing scams to steal your identity or personal information for extortion.

Protecting end users from dark web exploitation

Whether it's a business, a parent, or any other web user, you need to take precautions to keep your information and private life off the dark web.

Identity theft monitoring is essential if you want to prevent misuse of private information. All types of personal data can be distributed online for profit. Passwords, physical addresses, bank account numbers, and social security numbers have been circulating on the dark web. As you may be aware, malicious actors can use this information to damage your credit, commit financial theft, and hack into your other online accounts. The breach of personal data can also lead to your reputation being damaged by social fraud.

Anti-malware and anti-virus protection are equally important to stop malicious actors from exploiting you. The dark web is full of information stolen from users infected with malware. Attackers can collect your data using tools like keyloggers and can infiltrate your system in any part of the network. Endpoint security programs like Kaspersky Security Cloud are comprehensive, covering identity monitoring and antivirus defense.

How to Access the Dark Web Safely

If you have legitimate or viable dark web access needs, be safe when deciding to use the dark web.

7 Tips for Safely Visiting the Dark Web

Trust your gut. To avoid getting scammed, you need to protect yourself wisely online. Not everyone is what they seem. To stay safe, you need to be careful with who you speak to, and the websites you visit. If it doesn't feel right, you should always take action to get yourself out of the way.

Separating online characters from real life. Your username, email address, "real name," password, or even credit card should not be used anywhere else in your life. If necessary, create a new one-time account and identity for yourself. Get a prepaid, unrecognized debit card before making any purchases. Don't use anything that could identify you — online or in real life.

Actively monitor for identity and financial theft. Many online security services now offer identity protection to keep you safe. if you can make