How the Dark Web Works

"The dark web is accessed through specialized software and consists of private networks that communicate anonymously, including marketplaces that specialize in the sale of illicit goods and services (ElBahrawy et al. Citation2020; Kent Citation2020). Users can access the dark web by downloading free open-source software, such as Tor or FreeNet, and then inputting an address ending in “.onion” (i.e., the special use top level domain for the anonymous onion service reachable through the Tor network). For consumers, the dark web is not as easily navigable compared to search engines as dark web browsers do not generally have an indexing system; however, there are dark web search engines such as Ahima that can help users search for content, including marketplaces that sell illicit substances and cannabis products (Ahmia—Search Tor Hidden Services Citation2023).

"Once on the dark web, access to various illicit online products and services is readily available by simply knowing the relevant .onion address (ElBahrawy et al. Citation2020). The inherent anonymity and ability to facilitate transactions via unregulated cryptocurrencies on the dark web also makes it an ideal digital black market for illegal transactions involving drugs, private information, weapons, and organ trafficking (Akbarialiabad, Dalfardi, and Bastani Citation2020). Previous research has also found that factors such as multiple transaction options, online payment, protection of personal data, and the availability of escrow accounts to conduct transactions increases trust in dark web product and service listing transactions (Kiss and Szigeti Citation2023)."