Shrouded in mystery, the dark web conjures up images of hackers, illegal trades, and controversial content. But what exactly is the dark web, how does it work, and why does it exist? This starter guide will demystify the dark web's function and technology.

What is the Dark Web?

The dark web refers to websites and networks that exist on encrypted networks like Tor, I2P and Freenet. These overlay networks use multilayer encryption and anonymous routing to hide identities and locations. Accessing the dark web requires specialised software like The Onion Router (Tor). The anonymity afforded by the dark web enables users to evade surveillance and censorship. This has legitimate uses but also facilitates criminal activities.

How Tor Provides Anonymity

Tor, the largest dark web network, obscures users' identities by routing communications through a distributed network of relays run by volunteers. To access a dark website (.onion address), Tor encrypts and bounces your requests through several random relays before reaching the destination server. The data is decrypted only at the endpoint. No single relay knows the full circuit, making it very difficult to trace traffic back to the original user.

Why Anonymity Matters

Anonymity protects against surveillance and opens access to censored information. Journalists and activists rely on Tor to securely communicate with whistleblowers and organise dissent against repressive regimes. But it also allows hate groups to congregate and predators to hide. Most dark websites actually sit on the open internet, but use Tor to maintain anonymity.