The Internet Has Layers—Like an Onion (Literally)
When we talk about the internet, we’re usually referring to the “surface web”—the stuff you can Google: YouTube, news sites, your aunt’s blog. But that’s only the tip of the digital iceberg.
Beneath it lies the deep web, which includes things not indexed by search engines—like your email inbox, online banking, and cloud storage. Nothing sketchy here—just stuff behind a password.
Then we hit the dark web—a small, encrypted corner of the internet that requires special software to access, like the Tor browser.
Find out what information of yours is on the Dark Web by going to https://myactivity.google.com/dark-web-report/dashboard
So What Is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a hidden network of websites that aren’t indexed by traditional search engines and can’t be accessed through normal browsers. You need tools like Tor (short for The Onion Router) to access it. Tor bounces your connection through multiple nodes worldwide, making you anonymous.
That anonymity is what makes the dark web both powerful and dangerous.
What Happens on the Dark Web?
Let’s break it down:
🟢 The Good:
- Whistleblowers share evidence safely
- Journalists communicate with sources
- Activists in oppressive regimes get around censorship
🔴 The Bad:
- Stolen data (like credit card numbers and passwords)
- Illegal drugs, weapons, and fake documents
- Forums for hacking, scams, and worse
It’s not all crime and chaos—but there’s a lot of it.
Is the Dark Web Illegal?
✅ Accessing it? No.
🚫 Buying illegal stuff on it? Very illegal.
Simply browsing the dark web isn’t a crime in most countries. But once you start downloading contraband, hiring hackers, or getting involved in illicit trade—you’re crossing a legal line real quick.
Why Do People Use It?
🔐 Privacy – Some users simply want to avoid surveillance or targeted ads.
📢 Freedom – In some parts of the world, it’s the only way to speak freely.
💸 Profit – Unfortunately, bad actors use the dark web to make money anonymously.
How to Stay Safe (Without Clicking Sketchy Links)
- Don’t go exploring blindly. Most dark web horror stories start with curiosity and a click.
- Avoid downloading anything. Malware is everywhere.
- Never give out personal info. Even behind a screen, you’re not invincible.
- Use a VPN with Tor for added safety.