Deep Web vs Dark Web

Deep Web vs Dark Web: The main difference between deep web and dark web is that deep web refers to hidden web pages that are not indexed by search engines. Meanwhile, the dark web is a guarded subspace within the deep web that has intentionally been hidden, and hosts encrypted websites that are inaccessible through standard web browsers. 

The intentional lack of indexing in the deep web provides a means for service providers to safeguard private information. On the other hand, the dark web is often associated with illegal activities. It is known to harbour various illicit marketplaces, forums, and other websites dealing with unlawful products and services.

Table of Content (TOC)

• Deep Web vs Dark Web
• What is the Deep Web?
• What is the Dark Web?
• Deep Web vs Dark Web - Key Differences

Deep Web vs Dark Web

For better clarity, let's go through the difference between deep web and dark web in a tabular format:

What is the Deep Web?

The deep web refers to the portion of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. 

This web part is intentionally hidden from public view or search engine crawlers. It is commonly used by journalists, activists, and other individuals who need to protect their identities and communicate securely.

Some common examples of deep web content include:

1. Password-protected websites: Websites that require a username and password to access, such as online banking portals, email accounts, or subscription-based services.
2. Private databases: Databases that store sensitive information like medical records, academic research, government documents, and more. These databases are typically not publicly searchable.
3. Intranet sites: Intranet sites are internal websites that are used by organizations for communication, collaboration, and sharing of resources among their employees. These are not accessible to the public.

What is the Dark Web?

The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and can only be accessed through specialized software and browsers, such as Tor. 

In lay terms, the dark web is a subset of the deep web that is often associated with illegal activities, like black market transactions, drug trafficking, and cybercrime. It is also used by whistleblowers, activists, and journalists who need to communicate anonymously or bypass internet censorship. Some components of the dark web consist of:

• Darknets (ZeroNet)
• Tor network
• .onion suffix sites, etc.

Key features of the dark web include:

1. Anonymity
2. Encryption
3. Illicit activities
4. Whistleblowing and privacy
5. Hidden services (websites with addresses ending in ".onion" instead of .com or .org.)

Deep Web vs Dark Web - Key Differences

Here are the key differences between the deep web and the dark web:

• The deep web is a larger, hidden portion of the internet not indexed by standard search engines. In contrast, the dark web is a secretive subset of the deep web intentionally hidden.
• The deep web is accessible through regular web browsers, whereas the dark web requires specific tools (e.g., Tor).
• The deep web includes legal and legitimate content, like private databases and password-protected sites. On the other hand, the dark web is known for hosting illegal activities, including the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen data.
• On the deep web, users are typically not anonymous. Drak web provides a high level of anonymity for users.