Definition of dark web
- The websites available on the encrypted network on the internet that is not indexed by conventional search engines is known as the dark web.
- It can be accessed only with express authorisation, specific software, configurations etc.
- The access to web pages on the darknet can be done only with the help of software like Tor (Onion router), I2P, Riffle etc or through small, Peer to Peer networks.
- Deep web refers to the area of the internet that is inaccessible through search engines. Dark web is a subset of deep web.
Use of the Dark Web
- It is used by individuals to avoid repression by the government or censorship.
- It protects the secrecy and anonymity of the individual user.
- Whistle blowers, journalists, activists can use this medium to divulge sensitive information.
- It helps in interoperability of agencies.
- Enables one to transact in virtual currencies with ease.
- It protects the privacy of the citizen from mass surveillance.
Concerns
- Illegal activities are uncheckered on the dark web – virtual black markets, data breaches, promotion of illegal activities such as drugs, arms sale etc. is rampant here.
- Bypasses several legal barriers and restrictive firewall policies.
- It is used to spread seditious narratives that turn people toward anarchy or nihilism.
- Terrorists can use this as a platform to further their nefarious agenda.
- Vital infrastructure can be easily compromised with the help of the dark web.
Measures taken to Handle These Concerns
- The Kerala Police Department has come up with the Cyberdome project to curtail cybercrimes that find their origins in the deep web amongst other things.
- Effort to bring about a robust Data Protection Law in India.
- Creating new cross organizational structures for coordination and information sharing.
- Developing new forensic standards to collect evidence on the dark web.
- Law enforcement officials can use OSINT tools to find information about the dark web.
