The Impact of the Internet and the Dark Web

Introduction

The internet has revolutionized how we work, play, and live.
There is a corner of the internet for everyone, regardless of interests or beliefs.
The internet connects people globally in ways unimaginable before.
It contains a vast amount of information, some of which many people are unaware of.
The internet has both positive and negative uses, similar to its divisions like the surface web, deep web, and dark web.

Definition: The surface web includes everything commonly used daily (e.g., YouTube, Twitter, social media).
Accessibility: Easy to find information indexed by search engines like Google.
Statistics: Every second, significant amounts of data are shared (e.g., over 1000 photos on Instagram, 8000 tweets on Twitter).
Openness: General life details of individuals can be found, but private information (e.g., bank accounts, medical records) is not accessible without passwords.

Definition: Refers to content not indexed by search engines (e.g., emails, private databases).
Size: Makes up 96% of the entire internet.
Accessibility: Contains vast amounts of information, much of which is inaccessible.
Nature: More secretive but relatively mundane compared to the surface web.

Definition: A hidden part of the web accessible via encrypted software with hidden sites.
Features: Encrypted websites, anonymous access, and illegal activities.

Tracking on Surface Web: Activity is often monitored and data sold to advertisers (e.g., Facebook, Amazon).
Onion Routing:
- Developed by the US Naval Research Laboratory to protect government communications.
- Data wrapped in multiple encryption layers.
- Each relay node only knows the previous and next node.
- Ensures anonymous data transfer, leading to the existence of darknets like Tor.
Tor (The Onion Router): Provides access to hidden services with .onion sites, appearing as random strings of characters.

Overview: Popular for anonymous transactions, primarily using Bitcoin due to its anonymity.
Silk Road:
- Opened in 2011, became synonymous with dark web markets.
- Sold drugs, weapons, and counterfeit items.
- Site seized by FBI in 2013; led to $187 billion revenue (if valued at peak Bitcoin price).
Post-Silk Road: New marketplaces continuously emerge after takedowns.

Data breaches and sales: Personal information often leaks and is sold on the dark web.
Illegal Services: Includes hitmen, human organs, and child exploitation forums.
Price of Information: Social security numbers, medical records, and botnets sold cheaply.

Inequity in Sentencing: Discrepancies in sentences for creators of dark web sites.
Ross Ulbricht: Founder of Silk Road, sentenced to two life terms plus 40 years, sparking debate over fairness.

Censorship and Freedom: Dark web allows users in censored countries to access uncensored information.
Media and Whistleblowing: Platforms for anonymous reporting of crucial information.

Privacy vs. Danger: The dark web provides anonymity which can be used for both good and bad.
Safety Considerations: Most illicit activities can be avoided if users do not seek them out.
Public Perspective: While notorious, the dark web serves multiple purposes, beyond just illegal activities.

Final Thought: Consider carefully whether to explore the dark web, as it can be challenging to leave once inside.