Everything You Didn't Know About Dark Web, But Should

Summary

The dark web is a hidden, complex corner of the internet that hosts a mix of illicit activities, privacy-driven platforms, and even legitimate ventures. While it harbors notorious criminals and controversial groups like WikiLeaks and Silk Road, it also serves as a space for whistleblowers, academic piracy, and anonymous communication. The allure of privacy and decentralized transactions, like Bitcoin, drives its popularity, yet its dark reputation is cemented by legends of assassination markets and human trafficking. As it grows, the dark web remains an intriguing and dangerous place, where anonymity fuels both innovation and crime.

Takeaways

• 😀 The dark web originated as a space for privacy-focused browsing but quickly became known for illegal activities, including hacking and cybercrime.
• 😀 Hacking groups like Anonymous gained prominence for their activism but suffered credibility hits after making mistakes, such as wrongly identifying people involved in high-profile events like the Ferguson protests.
• 😀 WikiLeaks, founded by Julian Assange, became a major platform for leaking classified government documents, but Assange’s fugitive status has led to a complicated relationship with the law.
• 😀 A massive security breach in 2019 exposed Evite users' data, which was then auctioned on the dark web after the company refused to pay a small ransom.
• 😀 A dark web scavenger hunt in 2012, which turned out to be a publicity stunt by the hip-hop group Death Grips, showcased how the dark web can be used for bizarre and unexpected purposes.
• 😀 The dark web hosts anonymous online chess games, where players can compete without knowing their opponent’s identity, adding to the mysterious nature of the platform.
• 😀 The dark web has been used to bypass academic paper paywalls, offering pirated research to students and researchers looking for free access to expensive journals.
• 😀 SecureDrop, a platform on the dark web, helps journalists communicate with whistleblowers securely, allowing the sharing of sensitive information without exposing personal identities.
• 😀 While the dark web is known for crime, including the infamous Silk Road black market, not all activities are illegal. Some people use the dark web for anonymity and privacy.
• 😀 The idea of 'Red Rooms'—websites where users allegedly watch live torture—is one of the most infamous urban legends associated with the dark web, though no solid evidence supports their existence.
• 😀 Despite the negative reputation, the dark web has grown significantly, with an increasing number of people using it for secure transactions and privacy, leading to an estimated billion-dollar business driven by cryptocurrencies.

Q & A

What role did the hacking group Anonymous play during the Ferguson protests, and how did their reputation suffer?

Anonymous vowed to identify the officer involved in the shooting during the Ferguson protests but named the wrong person, which damaged their reputation. They later promised to reveal a list of politicians secretly in the Ku Klux Klan, but some of the names they revealed were actually members of religions and ethnicities hated by the Klan, leading to further embarrassment.

What is WikiLeaks, and how is it related to the dark web?

WikiLeaks is a website founded by Julian Assange that specializes in publishing classified government documents. While it operates on the open web, Assange uses dark web communications to maintain anonymity and security. Despite being controversial, WikiLeaks has become a significant platform for whistleblowers and government leaks.

What was the 'Wrong Evite' hack, and what were its consequences?

In 2019, Evite, a popular event invitation platform, was hacked, and over ten million users had their personal information leaked. The hacker demanded just under $2,000 in Bitcoin, but Evite’s policy of not paying ransoms led to the stolen information being auctioned on the dark web.

How did a scavenger hunt on the dark web relate to the hip-hop group Death Grips?

In 2012, a scavenger hunt on the dark web involved augmented reality clues leading users to real-world locations, such as a payphone in New York. The hunt turned out to be a promotional campaign for a new album by the hip-hop group Death Grips, highlighting the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the dark web.

What unique feature does the dark web offer for chess players?

The dark web hosts a simple, retro-styled chess platform where players can be matched anonymously against opponents worldwide. This site adds a layer of mystery, as players will never know if they’re facing a chess prodigy or a novice.

How does the dark web help students access academic papers and textbooks?

The dark web hosts websites that circumvent paywalls, allowing students to access academic papers and textbooks for free. While some of these sites are illegal piracy platforms, others encourage authors to upload their own papers for public viewing, making education more accessible.

What is SecureDrop, and how does it protect journalists and whistleblowers?

SecureDrop is a dark web site that enables anonymous communication between journalists and sources. It allows whistleblowers to submit sensitive information without revealing their identity, and it is used by major newspapers like The Washington Post to protect their sources.

Who was Hieu Mingh Ngo, and what was his criminal activity on the dark web?

Hieu Mingh Ngo was a Vietnamese hacker responsible for a massive identity theft operation. He stole information from over 200 million people worldwide and sold it to other hackers. His activities resulted in a 13-year federal prison sentence after he was apprehended by authorities.

What was the Silk Road, and who was its infamous founder, Ross Ulbricht?

The Silk Road was an online marketplace on the dark web that facilitated the sale of illegal drugs and other illicit goods. It was created by Ross Ulbricht, who operated under the alias 'Dread Pirate Roberts.' Ulbricht was arrested, and after his trial, he was sentenced to life in prison for his role in running the site.

Is it possible to hire an assassin on the dark web, and what is known about these services?

The dark web hosts sites claiming to offer assassination-for-hire services, where users can pay in Bitcoin to have someone targeted. However, no confirmed cases of actual assassinations linked to these platforms exist, leading many to believe these services are either scams or hoaxes.

What is the Red Room, and why is it considered a dark web legend?

The Red Room is a purported dark web site where users can watch live streams of people being tortured or killed. While rumors abound about its existence, authorities believe it is an urban legend, as no verified instances have been found. Despite this, it continues to be a popular topic in horror media and dark web folklore.

What are the economic implications of the dark web, and how much money is spent there each year?

The dark web has become a billion-dollar business, with transactions often conducted in Bitcoin for illicit goods and services. While the exact amount spent is unknown, it’s estimated that a significant portion of the transactions involve illegal products such as drugs, identity theft, and other black-market goods.