Darknet facts for kids

A darknet is a special part of the Internet that you can only get to with specific computer programs or settings. Think of it like a secret club online! It's different from the regular internet you use every day, which is sometimes called the "clearnet" or "surface web".

Darknets often use unique ways to connect, making it harder to know who is using them. Some darknets are like private social networks where people share files. Others, like Tor, help people stay anonymous, meaning their online actions can't easily be traced back to them.

What is a Darknet?

The idea of a darknet started a long time ago with the very first version of the internet, called ARPANET. Back then, some computers were set up to receive messages but not send anything back. This made them "invisible" or "dark" on the network.

Over time, the term "darknet" grew to include networks where friends share files directly with each other (called friend-to-friend networks). It also includes privacy networks like Tor, which help people browse the internet without being easily tracked.

Darknet, Dark Web, and Deep Web: What's the Difference?

It can be a bit confusing, but "darknet," "dark web," and "deep web" are not all the same thing!

• A darknet is the actual network itself – the special way computers connect.
• The dark web is a part of the darknet, often used for things like hidden websites that you can only find with special software like Tor.
• The deep web is much bigger! It includes all parts of the internet that search engines like Google can't find. This includes things like your online banking pages, your email, or private cloud storage. Most of the deep web is perfectly normal and legal. The dark web is just a tiny part of the deep web.

Why Do People Use Darknets?

People use darknets for many different reasons, some good and some not so good. Here are a few:

• Staying Private: Darknets can help protect people's privacy online, especially from companies or governments that might be watching what they do.
• Sharing Information Safely: In some places, people might not be allowed to say what they think. Darknets can help them share important information or speak freely without being identified.
• Getting Around Blocks: If a country blocks certain websites or apps, darknets can sometimes help people get around those blocks.
• Sharing Files: People use darknets to share all kinds of files, from personal documents to software.
• Secret Shopping: Sometimes, darknets are used to buy or sell things that are not allowed or are against the law. This is a risky and illegal use.

How Do Darknets Work?

Darknets work by using special software and rules that make it hard to trace who is doing what. For example, Tor works by sending your internet traffic through many different computers around the world. Each computer only knows about the one before it and the one after it, making it very difficult to track your original location. This multi-step process helps keep users anonymous.

See also

• Cryptocurrency
• Dark web
• Deep web
• Private peer-to-peer (P2P)
• Virtual private network (VPN)