Dark Web*

Satyendra Kant Maurya

Deep within the internet lies a hidden and dangerous part that cannot be found on Google and is invisible to normal users. This secret area is called the Dark Web. The Dark Web is a hidden network where people often use fake names and do illegal things. Some use it to sell drugs, spread harmful content, or steal personal information. Sadly, it is also used for serious crimes like child abuse and human trafficking. In his powerful book Combating Crime on the Dark Web, author Nearchos Nearchou helps readers understand what the Dark Web really is. He explains how it started, why it is so difficult to trace, and how dangerous it can become. But the book is not just about fear; it also gives hope. It shows how experts and police around the world are working hard to fight these crimes and make the internet safer for everyone. This book is eye-opening. It takes readers on a journey behind the screen and shows that while the internet can be scary, it can also be made safer. It is a must-read for students, parents, teachers, and anyone who wants to learn how to protect themselves in today’s digital world. The book is divided into three parts: the first introduces how people access the Dark Web and use cryptocurrencies (digital coins, secure, no bank); the second explores crimes like drug trade, trafficking, and child exploitation; the third highlights how global efforts–like digital traps and smart surveillance-are helping to fight back.

The Dark Web, a hidden part of the internet, has evolved since the 1960s, beginning with the creation of ARPANET. The term “Darknet” emerged in the 1970s, referring to networks where all traffic is hidden. The growth of the Dark Web came with the development of technologies like TOR (The Onion Router), which was officially released in 2002. Tools like TOR, I2P, and Freenet allow users to browse anonymously, making the Dark Web a safe space for both activists and criminals. Criminal activities, such as human trafficking, drug distribution, and money laundering, are common on the Dark Web. These activities are often facilitated through cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Monero, which provide a layer of anonymity in transactions. This combination of technologies makes the Dark Web a complex and challenging environment to monitor. One of the most notable illegal activities on the Dark Web is the growing trade in drugs. It is a hidden marketplace where drug dealers and buyers remain anonymous, conducting transactions using digital currencies like Bitcoin. These marketplaces offer a secure and easy way to buy and sell illegal drugs without revealing personal identities.

The internet has transformed the world, bringing new opportunities, but it has also given rise to the dark side of the digital world- cybercrimes. These crimes are carried out through electronic devices and online platforms, ranging from financial scams and identity theft to government-targeted attacks. Common types of cybercrimes include cyber-stalking, spreading viruses, cyber warfare, and stealing personal information. In today’s world, cyber attacks have become a major concern. These attacks can target anything from personal devices like smartphones and computers to large-scale systems like power grids, cars, and even airplanes. Phishing scams trick people into giving up sensitive details, while malware attacks involve harmful software that damages systems. The internet itself can be divided into three parts: the Surface Web, the Deep Web, and the Dark Web. The Surface Web is what most people use daily, accessible via common search engines like Google, and makes up only about five percent of the entire internet. The Deep Web, which accounts for around ninety percent of internet content, includes private databases and academic journals that are not indexed by search engines. The Dark Web is a small portion of the Deep Web that requires special tools like TOR to access. It is a space where both legal and illegal activities take place, and it is designed for anonymous browsing using tools like TOR and I2P.

The dark web has become a serious concern in recent years, especially due to its role in illegal and harmful activities. One of the most disturbing problems on the dark web is the spread of child pornography. Podophiles use this hidden part of the internet to share and sell material related to the sexual abuse of children. With the rise of the internet and mobile technologies, it has become easier for such criminals to trade and distribute this kind of content without being easily caught. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this issue became even worse. As more people stayed indoors and used the internet, there was a rise in the production and sharing of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). This illegal content is now shared across the world using encrypted platforms and anonymous networks like TOR. Governments and technology companies are struggling to stop this, but it remains a major problem. On the dark web, criminals who are involved in child exploitation often form online communities. They share their desires, fetishes, and even talk about their own experiences of abusing children. These people trade pictures and videos of child abuse and discuss new ways of targeting and exploiting children. This makes the dark web a dangerous space, especially for vulnerable minors.

Another growing concern is human trafficking, which is often called modern-day slavery. Millions of people, especially women and children, are victims of this crime. The dark web has made it easier for traffickers to operate in secret. They can buy and sell human beings for forced labour or sexual exploitation while hiding their identity.

Cyber terrorism is when terrorists use the internet to attack computer systems. This often happens on the Dark Web, a hidden part of the internet that is hard to access. Terrorists use the Dark Web because it is cheap, anonymous, and they can do things from anywhere. It lets them plan attacks, spread ideas, raise money, and connect with supporters without being caught. On the Dark Web, terrorists can avoid the need for training or travel. The Dark Web is hard for authorities to trace because it hides their activities. Terrorists may target important systems like power supplies and emergency services. They also use digital money like Bitcoin to hide their financial transactions. When harmful content is removed from the regular web, terrorists often post it again on the Dark Web. Police try to stop these crimes using special methods. One method is called Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), where they collect public information to track criminals. Another method is called honey-pot traps, where police make fake websites to catch criminals. Countries also work together and create strong laws to reduce crime on the Dark Web. Law enforcement uses special tools to watch what happens on the Dark Web. These tools help find crime groups, spot dangers, and link criminals together. OSINT helps police understand how criminals work. Using these tools, the police can stop crimes before they happen. The book reviewed talks about these issues. It shows how the Dark Web works and how criminals use it for bad activities. The last part of the book gives easy safety tips for people, especially young ones. It tells them not to share real names, emails, or credit card info on unknown websites.

*Combating Crime on The Dark Web
By Nearcos N
(Pocket Publishing, 2023,12,209
ISBN: 978-1803234984)

[Dr Satyendra Kant Maurya, Assistant Professor (Sociology), Sarvodaya P G College, Ghosi, Mau, Uttar Pradesh, Email: satyendrabhu007@gmail.com]

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Frontier
Vol 58, No. 5, Jul 27 - Aug 2, 2025