Darknet
The darknet, also known as the dark web, is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and inaccessible through traditional search engines. It is a network of encrypted, private, and anonymous websites and services that are not indexed by standard search engines like Google. The darknet is primarily accessed using specialized software, such as the Tor browser, which enables users to maintain anonymity by routing their internet traffic through a series of encrypted nodes.
Due to its anonymity and hidden nature, the darknet has become a haven for illegal activities, including the sale of drugs, firearms, stolen data, and other illicit goods and services. Criminal marketplaces, known as darknet marketplaces, facilitate these transactions using cryptocurrency as a means of payment, further ensuring the anonymity of buyers and sellers. While the darknet has gained notoriety for its association with illegal activities, it also serves as a platform for whistleblowers and activists seeking to communicate and share information securely and privately without fear of surveillance or censorship. However, navigating the darknet carries significant risks, and users should exercise extreme caution due to the prevalence of criminal activity and potential exposure to malicious actors.