Can someone explain to this ol’ granny just what the “dark web” is?
The dark web is a hidden collection of web sites built on the same network as what you call "the internet" but none of the sites are listed in the usual search engines like Google and Bing. It is usually accessed by private links (encrypted VPNs) because the main reason to go there is to access things the authorities do not want you to access (most but not all of those things are illegal.) One of the LEGAL things you can do on the dark web is talk to other people without NSA watching and cataloging everything you say.
DO NOT try to go there from your home internet connection or any other connection that can be traced back to you. TOR (
The
Onion
Router) is no longer capable of shielding you from being identified. Public WiFi or some other deceptive means of accessing the dark web is the only way to keep your identification private and even then you better know what you're doing if you intend to remain under the radar. The dark web is not somewhere for grannies to go.
If you are really interested in this subject I can highly recommend this book:
Thieves Emporium - Freedom's Last Chance?
Note to NSA: I'm an open book. I don't do anything or say anything I'm not willing to do or say in public.
Thank you for clarifying further, Garth.
I have no interest in going there, as there is nothing there that would remotely interest me.
One thought that fleets through my old grey head is that the existence of this might endanger irregular internet, in that the.gov could use it as an excuse to shut us off from all but .gov permitted sites!