darknet

Darknet is a subset of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines and is accessible only through specialized software, configurations, or authorization. It forms part of the broader term "dark web" and is distinct from the surface web and from the non-indexed parts of the web known as the deep web. The exact boundaries of what constitutes the darknet vary among researchers, but the common feature is user anonymity and the difficulty of locating services through ordinary means.

The best-known examples include Tor, I2P, and Freenet. These networks use overlays and layered encryption to route traffic through multiple relays, hiding the origin and destination of communications. They enable access to services hosted as "hidden" or "to-the-network-only" endpoints. Usage is intended for privacy, freedom of expression, censorship circumvention, and secure communication, but can also be adopted for illicit purposes.

Activities vary widely. Some services host legitimate content such as political activism, whistleblower platforms, or secure messaging. Others include illegal marketplaces, drug distribution, weapon sales, illicit data, or malware distribution. The mixed nature has led to significant public and policy interest, with law enforcement and researchers analyzing crimes as well as the ways anonymity technologies can protect journalists, dissidents, and privacy enthusiasts.

Legal status and regulation differ by jurisdiction; use of darknet technologies can be legal in many places, though certain activities accessible through these networks are illegal. Privacy advocates emphasize protection against surveillance and data harvesting, while critics warn of the risks of crime and scams. In cybersecurity, the darknet is studied for its architectures, threat models, and implications for digital anonymity and resilience.