Darknet

By: Roxas, Juan Raveeno S.

Definition

• A.K.A. the deep web, invisible web, and dark web

• Web pages unreachable by any usual means

• Web pages not detectable by search engines to remain anonymous

Purpose

• Venue for private communication

• Venue for hidden information being shared

Examples

• Some popular darknet: Tor (the onion router), Freenet and I2P

• Special-purpose darknet: usually used for illegal file sharing (copyrighted media, pirated software, malware programs, and illicit content like child pornography)

Advantage & Disadvantage

• Advantage: Medium for expression, organization and flow of information for people living under oppressive or restrictive governments

• Disadvantage: Attracts numerous criminal activities

Question 1

• Since it is not easily discoverable, this will draw and attract criminals to participate in illegal activities over the internet such as buying of drugs, weapons, pornography, etc.

• There is evidence that the darknet will continue to exist and provide low cost, high-quality service to a large group of consumers. This means that in many markets, the darknet will be a competitor to legal commerce

Question 2

• In the present, not much is being done to prevent this kind of activity; therefore I believe that the darknet will still exist in two years. Also because it is not given urgent attention because of other more important criminal activities.

• Since one of the advantages is it provides a venue for oppressed people to share information and allows freedom of expression, then the existence of darknet will continue because the existence of oppressed people will always be present.