Is the Dark Web Safe?

It sounds exotic and there is that thrill of the unknown and unexplored, but much like the deep blue sea, many dangers are hidden. As the average run of-the-mill Joe (or Jill, as the case may be), how safe is it to explore the Dark Web?

Although there are truly exotic things on the Dark Web that you would not normally see, along with even some of the more mundane albeit in anonymous form (for you), the Dark Web isn’t a great place to stumble about blindly.

There are very bad things and people around that you culd stumble into with potentially dire consequences for you. This applies not only to bad guys, but there is also a very real chance of problems with law enforcement, depending on what you do.

In case you’re not convinced, here are some examples of what goes on in the Dark Web and the consequences.

Drug Distribution

Earlier this year, a couple in the US was charged for selling drugs under the Dark Web vendor handle of MH4Life on various trade sites. They were using the Dark Web to sell Fentanyl, a type of opioid which is frequently abused as a recreational drug as well as other illicit substances. The pair were arrested despite using cryptocurrency, virtual private networks and proxies as well as other elaborate distraction techniques.

Guns, Gold and Cash

More than 35 people in New York and California were arrested by a combined-agency task force for selling contraband on the Dark Web. Among items seized were more than 100 guns, $3.6 million in cash and 2,000 Bitcoins.

Kidnapping & Sex Trafficking

A Polish man was planning to sell a kidnapped British model on the Dark Web. When plans went awry, he was arrested in Italy where his victim claimed that he boasted of earning more than $17 million selling kidnapped women on the Dark Web.

Last Thoughts on the Dark Web Websites

The Dark Web can be a place of real freedom and may sound like “fun” for some. For example – You can openly discuss anything political, no matter how left or right wing, without fear of prosecution from your local authorities.

Unfortunately, that’s intermixed with a lot of, well, not so nice things.

Enjoy the freedom – but always remember, if caught, you will be charged for whatever illegal activities you have partaken in on the Dark Web.