What is the Dark Web? | CNBC Explains

Summary

This video delves into the layers of the internet, distinguishing the Surface Web from the enigmatic Deep Web and the notorious Dark Web. It explains the origins and functionalities of the Dark Web, highlighting its use of encryption for anonymity. The script discusses the creation of Tor by the U.S. Naval Research Lab and its dual use for both illicit activities like the Silk Road and legitimate purposes such as protecting dissidents and whistleblowers. It raises the moral quandary of balancing internet freedom and privacy with the need to combat criminal activities that thrive in the shadows of the Dark Web.

Takeaways

• 🌐 The Surface Web is the top layer of the internet accessible through search engines, while the Deep Web includes password-protected sites like online banking and government databases.
• 🔍 The Dark Web is the deepest layer of the internet, accessible only through special software like Tor, where users can remain anonymous.
• 🔒 The Dark Web was initially created in the 1970s for secure and anonymous communication, with Tor being one of the first and most popular darknet software developed by the U.S. Naval Research Lab.
• 🛒 The Silk Road was a notorious online black market on the Dark Web where illegal goods like drugs and firearms were traded; its founder, Ross Ulbricht, was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment.
• 🚨 Despite efforts by authorities to shut down illegal marketplaces like Silk Road, new ones continue to emerge, suggesting a resilient underground economy.
• 🛡️ Tor and similar tools are not only used for illegal activities but also serve as a secure communication platform for political dissidents and journalists.
• 🌟 The Dark Web has played a role in empowering activists during events like the Arab Spring and in enabling whistleblowers to release sensitive information.
• 🏥 It also provides a means for vulnerable individuals, such as domestic violence victims, to seek help and protect their privacy online.
• 🔑 The dilemma of the Dark Web lies in balancing the need for internet freedom and privacy with the fight against criminal activities that occur within its anonymous spaces.
• 🤔 The script raises the question of whether the benefits of the Dark Web for legitimate and life-saving purposes outweigh the risks associated with its criminal uses.

Q & A

What is the Surface Web?

The Surface Web refers to the part of the internet that is indexed by search engines and can be easily accessed by the general public.

What is the Deep Web and how is it different from the Surface Web?

The Deep Web consists of layers of the internet that are not indexed by search engines and require specific access, such as online banking or government databases. It is different from the Surface Web in that it is not accessible through regular search engines.

What is the Dark Web and how does it relate to the Deep Web?

The Dark Web is the bottom layer of the Deep Web where users can communicate and conduct transactions anonymously. It is part of the Deep Web but specifically refers to websites that require special software, like Tor, to access.

How does the Tor browser protect user anonymity?

The Tor browser protects user anonymity by routing internet requests through multiple computers around the world, encrypting and decrypting the user's identification at each step, making it difficult to trace the origin of the request.

Who created the Tor software and for what purpose?

The U.S. Naval Research Lab created the Tor software in the early 2000s, primarily to allow U.S. Navy intelligence officers to navigate the internet without being recognized or traced.

What was the Silk Road and why was it infamous?

The Silk Road was one of the first online black markets on the Dark Web where illegal items such as drugs, guns, and child pornography could be bought and sold. It was infamous due to its large scale and the high-profile arrest of its founder, Ross Ulbricht.

What happened to the Silk Road and its successors after law enforcement intervention?

After the arrest of Ross Ulbricht, the Silk Road was shut down, followed by the closure of its successors like Silk Road 2.0, Project Black Flag, and Black Market Reloaded. However, this led to the emergence of new marketplaces like Dream, Agora, and Alphabay.

How have authorities attempted to combat the Dark Web?

Authorities have attempted to combat the Dark Web by shutting down illegal marketplaces, arresting key figures, and even reportedly hacking into Tor itself, which led to a significant drop in its usage.

What are some legitimate uses of the Dark Web?

Legitimate uses of the Dark Web include providing a secure network for government agencies and political dissidents, aiding activists during events like the Arab Spring, and enabling whistleblowers to release information securely.

How does the Dark Web help journalists and news organizations?

The Dark Web helps journalists and news organizations by hosting drop sites for anonymously uploading leaked tips and documents, which can be crucial for investigative journalism and uncovering the truth.

What dilemma does the existence of the Dark Web present for authorities and society?

The dilemma is that shutting down the Dark Web to combat criminal activity could also negatively impact those who use it for social benefits, such as internet freedom, privacy, and protection from oppressive regimes.