The dark web
Meaning
The dark web refers to a hidden part of the internet that is not indexed by conventional search engines and requires specific software, like Tor, to access, often associated with anonymity and illicit activities.
Origin
The concept of a hidden, anonymous internet began in the mid-1990s with the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. They developed "The Onion Router" (Tor) as a way for intelligence operatives to communicate securely and anonymously online. This technology, which routes internet traffic through a global network of relays to obscure a user's location and identity, was released to the public in the early 2000s. As Tor gained traction, people started hosting websites and services within this anonymous network, inaccessible through standard browsers. This hidden, unindexed part of the internet soon became known as "the dark web," a place where anonymity flourished, attracting both those seeking privacy from surveillance and those engaging in illicit trade.
Examples
- Law enforcement agencies constantly monitor the dark web for illegal transactions and data breaches.
- Some journalists use the dark web to communicate securely with sources in repressive regimes, preserving their anonymity.