Many people have heard of the “darknet”, but what exactly is it all about? Is it the dingy corner of the internet where only criminals hang out? In this article, you will learn the most important basics about the darknet and what you need to connect to it.
Clearweb, deepweb, darknet and dark web
In simple terms, the clearweb is the part of the internet that our parents can access. It is the part of the internet that can be accessed with standard hardware and software without any special access restrictions. This is where you can find news and streaming portals, webmail providers, forums and this blog, for example.
The deep web is the part of the internet that cannot be found in the search engine index (e.g. Google, DuckDuckGo, etc.). This is where you can find underground hacking forums, for example, but also something like a university’s online repository, where users first have to register in order to access the latest scientific publications.
Special access software is required to access the Darknet. Due to this additional hurdle, the term “hidden services” is often used. Sometimes the term “onion services” is also used in reference to the domain that can be found in the Tor network.
Difference between darknet and Tor network
According to the definition, there is not just one darknet. However, the most widespread today is the so-called “Tor network”. Tor, formerly written in capital letters TOR, originally stood for “The Onion Router”. In addition to the Tor network, which is managed by the “Tor Project”, there are also other ‘darknets’, such as the “Freenet Project”.
Theoretically, you could also team up with your friends, program your own access software and you would have your own “darknet”.
When people talk about “the darknet” in the media or colloquially, they are usually referring to the Tor network. This is the best-known and most widespread “hidden” network.
Is there a difference between darknet and dark web?
Darknet and dark web are actually different. The darknet refers to the entire network that can be accessed via the special access software. In addition to web browsing, this also includes other predominantly TCP-based services, such as SSH (Secure Shell), instant messaging or VNC.
By using the Tor network, you can, for example, access devices in your home network (after prior configuration), even though you are located elsewhere in the world.
Is the dark web illegal?
Using the Tor network is not illegal as long as you are not doing anything illegal there.
So if you just enjoy the additional anonymity and look at legal things on the darknet, you are completely legal.
However, as soon as you do something illegal – and there is a lot of it there – it is of course just as punishable as on the Clearweb. Examples of illegal use are hate comments, ordering drugs and any form of cybercrime.
How do I connect to the Tor network?
Connecting to the darknet is surprisingly easy. Download the so-called “Tor Browser” from the official website (and only from there, please!). Search for the “Download” button on the official website torproject.org and download the Tor browser for your operating system (e.g. Windows or macOS).