A lot of people who use the so-called “dark web” aren’t criminals, contrary to popular belief (I’m one of them, in fact). What people commonly refer to as the dark web is actually a number of different anonymity networks, like Tor, I2P, Freenet, GNUnet, and ZeroNet. (This is an older version of the Tor Browser below.)
Credit
Unfortunately, things like the exaggerated YouTube horror stories, as well as tabloid headlines, tend to blow the dark web out of proportion. Personally, I don’t want it to be made illegal - it helps the average citizen have privacy and anonymity, and it’s also used by law enforcement and the military.
Also, according to statistics, the majority of people who use Tor don’t even visit the so-called “dark web.” Tor is also designed to use the “clearnet” (the non-encrypted internet) anonymously. For example, you could visit a site like Quora, Twitter, Google, or Pinterest without being identified by your real IP address. The sites would look about the same when accessed through Tor, although because of a browser plugin called NoScript, sometimes certain functions on different sites would be disabled.
Its bad reputation comes from the fact that there are things like darknet markets (sites hosted on the network that sell illegal items, like drugs and fraud-related things), or carding forums. However, law enforcement agencies across the world are investigating these markets (lest you think they’re just operating with impunity). Two major markets were shut down not long ago - AlphaBay and
Hansa Market:
These aren’t the only kinds of sites, though - they’re just the type that make good news headlines. Plus, if you’re getting your information from things like YouTube horror stories, let me assure you - most, if not all, of those stories are fictitious!
Many of the sites that you probably haven’t heard of are just forums, social networks, and people’s personal sites (not unlike on the clearnet). The difference is that on Tor, people can use these kinds of sites anonymously. Not only are their IP addresses disguised, but people tend to use fake photos, fake names, and very little, if any, personal information. They like to interact, but as a fictitious identity (for lack of a better word).
Also, I’m not sure if you’re aware of this, but similar criminal activity takes place on the clearnet:
Plus, there are phishing sites and all manner of scams on the clearnet as well. Does that mean we should ban the entire internet? I don’t think so.
Personally, I feel that the government has “banned” enough things, and I think there should be more things like Tor. Not to help criminals, but just to help people as individuals have privacy.