The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and requires specific software, such as the Tor browser, to access. It is often associated with illicit activities, but it also has legitimate uses, such as protecting privacy and facilitating free speech in oppressive regimes. Here are some surprising facts about the dark web:

Illicit Activities

• Gore and Sadistic Content: One Redditor shared a chilling account of encountering videos of extreme gore and sadistic acts, including a supposed lobotomy. "The girl that was in so many of his videos wasnt his girlfriend. She was supposedly a missing person from 2017 who he kidnapped."

• Child Pornography: Another user reported finding child pornography surprisingly easily on the dark web. "Just child porn. I never found hitmen etc, i didnt look very far, but child porn just presents itself to you on there."

• Drug Markets: The dark web is infamous for its drug markets, such as the Silk Road, which was a major marketplace for illegal drugs before it was shut down by law enforcement. "My fav shop taken down by the folks"

Surprising Facts

• Hidden Rooms and Kidnapping: A user recounted a story of a dark web user who was fatally shot in a raid, revealing hidden rooms containing stolen medical equipment and drugs, and a kidnapped woman. "They found 2 hidden rooms, one of which contained all kinds of stolen medical equipment and a hoard of drugs, mostly cocaine and heavy sedatives."

• Hacking and Viruses: Downloading software from the dark web can be extremely risky, leading to severe virus infections. "I downloaded some “hacking” software, got some kind of virus that infected not only my pc but every device that was connected to my wifi."

• Conspiracy Theories: The dark web hosts various bizarre and extreme conspiracy theories. "A whole section of a website dedicated to hating on technoblade"

Misconceptions

• Red Rooms and Hitmen: Many rumors about red rooms and hitmen on the dark web are false. "Legitimate red rooms/hitmen don't exist"

• Safety and Security: While the dark web can be dangerous, it is possible to protect yourself by using proper security measures. "You could get hacked at any time, and if you're the average user, you're easily being spied."

Legitimate Uses

• Privacy and Free Speech: The dark web is used by journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens to protect their privacy and communicate securely in oppressive environments. "The point of the 'darkweb' is to protect your human rights, not to abuse this protection for nefarious deeds."

• Access to Banned Content: Some users access the dark web to download banned movies and other content. "Interesting? a Bitcoin blender and and webs to download banned movies."

The dark web is a complex and often misunderstood part of the internet. While it harbors some of the most disturbing content, it also serves as a crucial tool for privacy and free speech.

Explore Surprising Communities

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