What Is the Deep Web?

The deep web is a subset of the internet that is not indexed by search engines, such as Google, Yahoo or Bing. This means that it is not visible to most people. It is also known as the Invisible Web, the Hidden Web, the Darknet and the Undernet. The deep web contains a wealth of information and resources, including private databases, subscription-only websites and illegal activities. It is estimated that the deep web is 500 times larger than the surface web and contains millions of documents, images, videos and websites.

The deep web is often associated with criminal activities, such as drug dealing, money laundering and illegal gambling. However, it is also used by researchers, journalists and everyday people to maintain their privacy and anonymity. For example, people can use the deep web to access information about controversial topics without fear of being tracked or monitored. In addition, it is an important tool for whistleblowers, who can use it to share information about government or corporate wrongdoing anonymously.

The concept of the deep web rose to mainstream prominence with the Silk Road trial back in 2015, where Silk Road founder, Ross Ulbricht, was sentenced to a double life sentence plus forty years. The Silk Road was an online deep web marketplace that introduced many internet users to Bitcoin, as Bitcoin was the main currency used on the site. Those curious enough to enter the deep web download a deep web browser like Tor. 

Despite the FBI’s crackdown on the Silk Road, the deep web continues to be a popular destination for those seeking what they cannot find within the confines of the traditional internet. Traditionally the deep web is associated with the purchase and sale of drugs, illicit goods and other black market commodities.