Types Of Dark Web

Last Updated on December 18, 2024 by DarkNet

The term “dark web” often refers collectively to hidden internet services or sites that aren’t accessible through standard search engines and browsers. However, “dark web” itself is a broad umbrella term and doesn’t neatly break down into official “types” the way the surface web might be categorized by domain or content. Instead, we can think of the dark web in terms of different sub-communities, types of hidden networks, and the nature of content found there. Below is a structured view to understand its variety:

1. Segments by Underlying Network Technology

a. Tor Hidden Services (Onion Sites):

• • What They Are: The most commonly known segment of the dark web. These websites, often using the .onion domain, are accessible only through the Tor browser, which routes traffic through multiple volunteer-run servers (nodes) to preserve anonymity.
  • Types of Content: The variety ranges from legitimate forums focused on privacy and freedom of expression, whistleblower platforms (like SecureDrop), and academic resource repositories, to more illicit marketplaces dealing in contraband or leaked data.

b. I2P (Invisible Internet Project) Sites (eepsites):

• • What They Are: I2P is another anonymity network designed primarily for secure, peer-to-peer communication. Like Tor, it uses layered encryption but relies on a fully decentralized network, making traffic analysis more difficult.
  • Types of Content: I2P’s hidden services, known as “eepsites,” host forums, chat services, personal publishing platforms, and file-sharing hubs. While less popular and smaller than Tor, I2P communities often focus on privacy-oriented discussions and can also include marketplaces and other hidden operations.

c. Freenet Services:

• • What They Are: Freenet is a decentralized, censorship-resistant platform designed for anonymity. Content published on Freenet is distributed across nodes in an encrypted manner.
  • Types of Content: Freenet tends to have forums, sites for political discussion, creative writing, and information-sharing. Much of it is dedicated to free speech advocacy. Some illicit content may exist, but the ecosystem is more niche and research-oriented compared to Tor.

2. Categorization by Content and Use Case

a. Whistleblower & Journalistic Platforms:

• • Description: These are portals that journalists and organizations (like ProPublica or The New York Times) set up within the Tor network to allow sources to submit sensitive information anonymously.
  • Example: SecureDrop installations on Tor used by news outlets for receiving confidential documents.

b. Political and Activist Forums:

• • Description: Certain communities on the dark web focus on political discourse, human rights discussions, and support for individuals living under oppressive regimes.
  • Value: They offer a safe space for dissidents who risk persecution in their home countries.

c. Privacy-Focused Email & Messaging Services:

• • Description: Encrypted email services and chat platforms exist that only operate over hidden networks, prioritizing user privacy.
  • Example: Secure email providers hosted as onion services, end-to-end encrypted chat rooms, and private file-sharing setups.

d. Intellectual and Research Archives:

• • Description: Some parts of the dark web host libraries of academic papers, eBooks, and banned literature.
  • Value: In areas with censored internet, users can access educational materials anonymously.

e. Illicit Marketplaces and Black Markets:

• • Description: These are commercial dark web sites dealing in illegal goods (e.g., drugs, forged documents, hacked data, weapons).
  • Notable Features: Vendors and buyers rely on cryptocurrencies and reputation systems; marketplaces come and go frequently due to law enforcement crackdowns or exit scams.

f. Hacking and Cybercrime Forums:

• • Description: Communities dedicated to sharing hacking tutorials, stolen data, exploit kits, or malware samples.
  • Note: These areas are prime targets for law enforcement and undercover operations.

3. Variations by Community and Access Requirements

a. Public Dark Web Sites:

• • Description: Some onion sites are advertised publicly (through directories or onion link aggregators) and anyone with a Tor browser can visit them.
  • Content Range: From harmless blogs and personal project pages to extremist propaganda sites.

b. Invite-Only or Trust-Based Communities:

• • Description: Some forums or communities within the dark web are not openly listed. They require vetting, referrals, or proven trustworthiness to gain access.
  • Purpose: This exclusivity can protect participants from scammers, law enforcement infiltration, and low-value contributions.

4. Distinguishing the Dark Web from Related Terms

Deep Web vs. Dark Web:

• Deep Web: Refers to all online content not indexed by traditional search engines—think password-protected sites, private intranets, or databases. Most of the deep web is mundane and not illicit.
• Dark Web: A subset of the deep web that requires special software or configurations (like Tor) to access, with anonymity as a core characteristic.

Key Takeaways

• The “dark web” isn’t a monolithic space. It’s a series of networks (Tor, I2P, Freenet) each with its own communities, purposes, and reputations.
• Content ranges widely—from ethical whistleblowing and free speech initiatives to highly illegal marketplaces—depending on where you look.
• Understanding the dark web requires recognizing it as an ecosystem of diverse actors and interests, rather than a single type of place.