The deep web and the dark web are often confused or used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different parts of the internet.
The deep web refers to any part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines like Google. This includes things like password-protected websites, online banking portals, and private databases. It is estimated that the deep web is much larger than the “surface web” that is accessible through search engines, but it is not inherently illegal or dangerous.
The dark web, on the other hand, is a small part of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and often used for illegal activities. It requires specific software or configurations to access, such as the Tor browser, which provides anonymity to users. The dark web is often associated with illegal marketplaces, such as those for drugs or weapons, and also includes forums for hacking, extremist groups, and other illegal or malicious activities.
So, while the deep web refers to all parts of the internet that are not indexed by search engines, the dark web specifically refers to the small part of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and often used for illegal activities.
Which Comes First Dark Web or Deep Web?
The deep web has been around for a long time, well before the dark web. The deep web refers to any part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines, and this includes things like password-protected websites, online banking portals, and private databases.
The dark web, on the other hand, emerged in the early 2000s as an intentionally hidden and anonymous part of the internet that requires specific software or configurations to access. It was originally created for legitimate purposes, such as protecting the privacy of human rights activists and journalists in repressive regimes, but it has since become associated with illegal activities.
So, in summary, the deep web has been around for much longer than the dark web, and the dark web is a specific subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and anonymous.
What Is the Deep Web?
The deep web is a term used to describe any part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. This includes websites and pages that require a login or password, online databases, academic resources, financial records, and private networks.
The deep web is estimated to be much larger than the surface web, which is the part of the internet that is accessible through search engines. In fact, it’s been estimated that the deep web is hundreds of times larger than the surface web.
Many people assume that the deep web is used exclusively for illegal activities, but that’s not necessarily the case. While there are certainly illegal and nefarious activities that take place on the deep web, there are also legitimate reasons why people use it. For example, researchers, journalists, and activists may use the deep web to communicate anonymously, protect their sources, or access resources that are not available on the surface web.
It’s important to note that the deep web is not the same thing as the dark web, which is a small part of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and often used for illegal activities.
According to a whitepaper published by the Journal of Electronic Publishing, the deep web has 7,500 terabytes of data. On the contrary, the surface web is just 19 terabytes in volume.
What Is the Dark Web?
The Dark Web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and is only accessible through specific software or configurations, such as the Tor browser. It is often associated with illegal activities because it allows users to remain anonymous and untraceable, making it a popular location for illegal marketplaces, such as those for drugs, weapons, and stolen data. However, it also provides a platform for whistleblowers, political activists, and journalists to communicate anonymously and securely without fear of censorship or surveillance. The Dark Web is not to be confused with the Deep Web, which refers to all internet content that is not indexed by search engines.
Is Deep Web and Dark Web the Same Thing?
No, the Deep Web and the Dark Web are not the same thing, although the terms are often used interchangeably.
The Deep Web refers to all web content that is not indexed by search engines, including databases, private networks, and password-protected websites. This content is not accessible to the general public and requires special permission or credentials to access. The Deep Web is estimated to be many times larger than the surface web, which is the portion of the internet that can be accessed through search engines.
The Dark Web, on the other hand, is a part of the Deep Web that is intentionally hidden and often associated with illegal activities. It requires specific software, such as the Tor browser, to access, and users can remain anonymous and untraceable while using it. While some legitimate activities may take place on the Dark Web, it is known for hosting illegal marketplaces, such as those for drugs, weapons, and stolen data.
Deep Web Vs. Dark Web: Key Differences
| Features or Attributes | Deep Web | Dark Web |
| Span | It’s much broader than the dark web. It covers all web content that doesn’t show up on surface web search engines. | It’s just a subspace of the deep web. It only deals with encrypted websites and Onion domains. |
| Access | Anyone can access deep web content with a user ID and password. Sometimes, unique QR codes, hyperlinks, and IP addresses can give you access to deep web content. | The dark web needs specialty web tools like the Tor browser, Tor network, encryption deciphering apps, etc. |
| Security Risks | Hackers mainly target your login credentials via phishing, scamming, social engineering, brute force attacks, etc. | Hackers will let you download pirated software, system tools, banned media content, databases of personal identities, card details, etc. However, the file will contain viruses or trojans to hack your computer. |
| Web Searching | You might find the web front to log in to deep web content if you search the right keyword on Google or Yahoo search. However, these search engines won’t show up any suggestions automatically. | You can’t search any content from the dark web on surface web search engines. |
| Anonymity | There’s no anonymity on the deep web until you use a functional VPN. | Anonymity is the primary feature of the dark web. |
| Obstructions | User accounts and passwords are the only obstructions between you and deep web content | You can’t access dark web content easily. You’ll have to pass a series of barriers like encryption deciphering, I2P network encryption, etc. |
| Web Browser | You can use any web browser like Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc. However, it’s best if you use DuckDuckGo. | There are special browsers to access the dark web, the most popular is the Tor browser. |
| Domain Name | The domain name could be anything you see ib the surface web, like .com, .org, .net, etc. | Most dark web portals use the Onion domain. |
| Network Protocols | It uses standard network protocols like TCP/IP, P2P, TLS, HTTP, etc./td> | The dark web mainly uses P2P or peer-to-peer protocols like APPN, eDonkey, FastTrack, Freenet, RetroShare, Tox, WebTorrent, etc. |
| Applications | Private cloud networks, enterprise intranets, internet banking portals, private social media groups, free email services like Yahoo and Gmail, etc., are the applications of the deep web. | The dark web provides anonymity and privacy to website owners and users. Website owners often go to the dark web when they don’t want tech giants, corporates, and governments to monitor their activities. Journalists use the dark web to interact with their anonymous sources. Whistleblowers use this network to leak illegal activities done by corporates to the public or government. |
Why Is It Illegal to Access the Deep Web?
Accessing the Deep Web is not inherently illegal. In fact, much of the Deep Web is made up of legitimate content, such as private databases and research papers, that are not publicly accessible but can be accessed with permission and credentials.
However, the Dark Web, which is a part of the Deep Web, is often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen data. These activities are illegal regardless of whether they take place on the Dark Web or elsewhere. Additionally, the Dark Web provides a platform for cybercriminals to operate anonymously and evade law enforcement, which can make it challenging for authorities to investigate and prosecute these crimes.
In some countries, using software such as Tor, which is used to access the Dark Web, may be illegal, or there may be restrictions on accessing certain types of content, even on the surface web. It is important to check local laws and regulations regarding internet use to avoid running afoul of the law.
Deep Web Vs. Dark Web: Which One Is Safer?
Both the Deep Web and the Dark Web have the potential to be dangerous because they are not easily accessible and not subject to the same regulations and security measures as the surface web. However, there are some differences in terms of the types of content and activities that take place on each.
The Deep Web includes all web content that is not indexed by search engines, including private networks, databases, and password-protected websites. While some of this content may be innocuous, there are also risks associated with accessing it, such as encountering malicious software, phishing scams, or other forms of cybercrime. However, in general, the Deep Web is not associated with the same level of illegal activity as the Dark Web.
The Dark Web, which is a part of the Deep Web, is intentionally hidden and often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen data. While it is possible to use the Dark Web for legitimate purposes, such as communicating anonymously or accessing censored content, it is also a haven for cybercriminals and can be a dangerous place for inexperienced users.
In general, it is recommended that users avoid accessing the Dark Web unless they have a specific reason to do so and are aware of the risks involved. If you do choose to access the Dark Web, it is important to take steps to protect your privacy and security, such as using a reputable VPN and keeping your computer and software up-to-date with the latest security patches.
