The term "dark web" often shows up in headlines connected to criminal activity—ranging from stolen concert tickets to underground marketplaces. But what exactly is the dark web? How does it work? And is it always illegal?
Let’s clear up the myths and give you a straightforward overview.

What Is the Dark Web?
At its core, the dark web is a part of the internet designed to provide anonymity for both website operators and users. It’s not inherently illegal, and it’s not as mysterious as it sounds. In fact, all you need is a special browser—like the Tor Browser—to access it.
Originally developed by the U.S. Naval Research Lab, the Tor network (short for The Onion Router) allows people to browse and host websites anonymously. This is helpful for people living under censorship or whistleblowers needing protection—but unfortunately, it's also used by criminals to avoid detection.

Dark Web vs. Deep Web: What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse the dark web with the deep web, but they are not the same.

• Deep Web = Private parts of the internet that aren’t indexed by search engines. Think: company intranets, private forums, banking portals.

• Dark Web = A smaller part of the deep web, only accessible with tools like Tor, and designed specifically for anonymity.
  There’s also the surface web, which includes everything you can find via search engines like Google—news articles, blogs, public websites, etc.

How Does the Dark Web Work?
The Tor network routes your internet traffic through a series of global nodes—entry, middle, and exit points—making it nearly impossible to trace. These pathways are randomly generated each time you connect and are encrypted end-to-end.
With a Tor browser, users can:

• Browse normal websites anonymously

• Access “.onion” websites—special domains hosted only on the Tor network
  However, anonymity can be compromised if users reveal personal information or log into known accounts while using Tor.

Due to its routing process, the dark web tends to be slower than the regular internet, making it unsuitable for activities like video streaming or video conferencing.

Is the Dark Web Illegal?
The technology behind the dark web—like Tor—is not illegal. In fact, it’s praised by privacy advocates and used by journalists, political activists, and others seeking protection online.
However, some users take advantage of this anonymity to carry out illegal activity, which is why it often makes headlines. Like many tools, its impact depends on how it's used.
As Eva Galperin from the Electronic Frontier Foundation said:
“No one hears about the time someone wasn’t stalked by their abuser. They hear how somebody got away with downloading illegal content.”

Final Thoughts
The dark web is neither inherently good nor bad. It’s a technology platform designed for privacy—one that can empower people, but also enable criminal behavior.
Understanding how it works is the first step in making smart decisions about your digital safety. Whether you’re a casual internet user or a security-conscious professional, staying informed helps protect you, your data, and your peace of mind.