The darknet is a hidden part of the internet that does not show up in regular search engines and cannot be accessed with standard browsers. To reach it, users need specialized software such as Tor, I2P, or other anonymity networks, with Tor being by far the most widely used. The main function of these tools is to anonymize traffic by routing it through layers of encryption, making it difficult to trace users or servers. This level of privacy has made the darknet a space for a wide range of activities, from secure communication and investigative journalism to underground economies and illicit trade.
A Short History of the Darknet
The darknet began taking shape in the late 1990s, when growing concerns about online surveillance and censorship led to the creation of new privacy-focused technologies. One of the earliest was Freenet in 2000, a decentralized network for anonymous file sharing and communication. Around the same time, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory developed onion routing, which became the basis for the Tor Project. Released publicly in 2002 Tor quickly stood out because it not only anonymized browsing but also enabled hidden services with .onion addresses.
While other projects like I2P and ZeroNet offered alternative approaches to anonymity and decentralization, Tor became the dominant platform thanks to its accessibility, reliability, and growing user base. By the early 2010s, Tor-powered markets like Silk Road pushed the darknet into mainstream awareness, showing how the combination of anonymous hosting and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin could support large-scale underground economies. Even after Silk Road’s takedown in 2013, Tor’s role as the backbone of the darknet strengthened, cementing its place as the primary gateway to this hidden layer of the internet.
Accessing the Darknet
Accessing the darknet today is relatively simple, especially compared to its early years. The most common entry point is the Tor Browser, which can be downloaded directly from the Tor Project’s official website. Once installed, it works like a normal browser but routes traffic through multiple encrypted relays, making it difficult to trace users’ identities or locations. This allows access to regular websites as well as hidden services with addresses ending in .onion. These sites cannot be accessed from Chrome, Firefox, or other mainstream browsers, and while they are not indexed by Google, specialized search engines such as Ahmia can help users discover .onion sites.
While Tor is the dominant way to access the darknet, other anonymity networks exist. I2P (Invisible Internet Project), for example, offers strong privacy features and a design that focuses on internal services rather than bridging to the clear web. Some users prefer I2P for specific applications like secure messaging or hosting resilient websites. However, I2P has never reached the same level of adoption as Tor, largely because it requires a more complex setup and lacks the straightforward interface that made the Tor Browser popular. As a result, Tor remains by far the most widely used entry point to the darknet.
Safety on the Darknet
The darknet can be safe if used with proper precautions, but it carries inherent risks that users should be aware of. Tor already provides strong privacy by routing traffic through encrypted layers, but additional steps improve security. Keeping the Tor Browser updated, disabling JavaScript, and avoiding unknown downloads are essential, as JavaScript can expose identifying information and significantly reduce anonymity. A major safety measure is encrypting communications with tools like PGP (Pretty Good Privacy). While Tor hides your location and identity, it does not encrypt the actual content of your messages unless you do so yourself. Unencrypted data can be exposed if a server is compromised, which is why PGP is crucial for secure exchanges. Users should also use HTTPS whenever possible and be aware of threats like browser fingerprinting and phishing.
The darknet carries several other risks beyond technical vulnerabilities. Phishing is common, with malicious actors creating counterfeit marketplaces, fake login portals, or deceptive .onion URLs to steal credentials, cryptocurrencies, or personal information. Malware is another danger, as downloading files or software from untrusted sources can compromise anonymity and security, especially when purchasing software on markets. Aditionally it is not uncommon for markets to exit scam, leaving users and venddors without access to their funds.
Law and Legality
The legality of the darknet is determined not by the technology itself but by how it is used. Using Tor or visiting .onion sites is legal in most countries, and many people do so to protect their privacy, access uncensored information, or use secure communication tools. However, engaging in illegal trade or sharing prohibited content of any kind is against the law everywhere. Buying or selling illicit items is prosecutable, just as distributing or accessing banned material such as illicit pornography or extremist propaganda can carry serious penalties.
The crucial distinction is that the darknet is legal to access, but illegal activities carried out on it remain illegal. For those who use it responsibly, it is simply a tool for anonymity and free communication, no different in principle from encryption apps or VPNs.
The Darknet Today and Its Future
The darknet is thriving across many sectors, both legitimate and illicit. Cybercrime using the darknet has grown significantly, and drug trade in particular has expanded to levels that make it a central part of the network. Estimates suggest the darknet facilitates billions of dollars in illicit trade annually, though exact figures vary. While this attracts law enforcement attention, attempts to shut it down have repeatedly failed. For some, the darknet’s role in moving trade online is seen as a potential benefit, as it can reduce street-level crime and violence while providing safer, more discreet access for buyers and sellers.
The darknet has always evolved in response to law enforcement action. When markets are taken down, new ones quickly emerge, often with improved security and decentralization. This adaptability, combined with the scale of activity it supports, makes it clear that the darknet is not going away anytime soon. It has grown into a permanent, resilient part of the internet — a complex ecosystem that will continue to adapt, expand, and facilitate a wide range of activity for years to come.
Conclusion
The darknet is no longer a niche corner of the internet — it has become a vast, evolving ecosystem that serves a wide range of purposes, from protecting privacy and enabling free speech to supporting complex underground economies. While it carries risks, particularly for those who ignore security practices, it remains one of the most resilient spaces online. Its adaptability has made it resistant to shutdowns, and its scale means it will remain a major part of the internet for the foreseeable future. Whether used for legitimate privacy needs, journalism in hostile environments, or the darker corners of commerce, the darknet is here to stay. Understanding how it works, the risks involved, and the laws that govern it is essential for anyone who chooses to venture into this hidden layer of the web.
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