The internet most of us use every day—Google, Facebook, Amazon—is just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath the surface lies the Deep Web (private databases, medical records, etc.), and even deeper, the Dark Web—a hidden network where anonymity reigns.
It’s a place of myths and nightmares. Some say it’s a haven for criminals; others believe it’s a tool for freedom fighters and whistleblowers. So, what’s the truth?
In this article, we’ll pull back the curtain on the Dark Web—what it is, how it works, and what really goes on there.
1. The Dark Web vs. Deep Web: What’s the Difference?
First, let’s clear up the confusion:
- Surface Web – What you browse daily (about 4% of the internet).
- Deep Web – Password-protected or unindexed pages (bank accounts, private emails, medical records). This makes up 90%+ of the internet.
- Dark Web – A small, encrypted part of the Deep Web, accessible only with special tools like Tor (The Onion Router).
Key Point: Not all Deep Web content is shady—your Netflix account is part of it. But the Dark Web? That’s where things get murky.
2. How Do People Access the Dark Web?
You can’t just Google it. Access requires:
- Tor Browser – Routes your connection through multiple encrypted nodes to hide your identity.
- VPN (Optional but Recommended) – Extra layer of anonymity.
- Special Dark Web Links – Sites use .onion domains (e.g.,
facebookcorewwwi.onionfor Facebook’s hidden version).
Warning: Just because you can access it doesn’t mean you should. Browsing carelessly can expose you to illegal content or malware.