How the Dark Web Got Its Name

The term Dark Web, or deep web, often evokes images of clandestine and mysterious activities. However, the genesis of this term and the purpose behind it are rooted in the evolution of technology and government initiatives.

The Origins of the Dark Web

The concept of the dark web stems from the invention of the deep web, which started with the early days of the internet. As pointed out by Franklin Veaux, the deep web became a reality with the development of the World Wide Web.

The deep web, a term encompassing all content on the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines, originated in the 1990s. It includes anything requiring logins or passwords, such as your Quora Edit Profile page. This part of the internet is large and vast, but nothing inherently spooky or mysterious about it.

The US Government's Role

Although the deep web was initially created, the term Dark Web specifically refers to a subset of the Tor Network. The Tor Network, which stands for Transparent Onion Router, was developed by US military researchers in the mid-1990s.

The Tor Network was designed to facilitate anonymous and secure communication. The US military's interest in this technology was rooted in the need for spies and researchers to communicate without revealing their identity. This innovation led to the creation of the Tor Network, which allows users to browse the internet with privacy and anonymity.

The Invention of the Term "Dark Net"

The phrase "dark net" was coined in the mid-1970s, well before the inception of the internet. At that time, there was a network called ARPAnet (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network), which was a precursor to today's DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency).

ARPAnet was designed to connect local networks at schools, research organizations, and military facilities. A "dark net" was a network that was connected to ARPAnet but was not visible on network maps or capable of responding to pings. These networks were called "dark nets" because they were not visible, which is where the term "dark" comes from, not in the sense of sinister or illegal activity.

The Significance of the Tor Network

The Tor Network is a key component of the modern dark web. It operates by routing internet traffic through a volunteer network of servers called relays. Each time the traffic passes through a relay, it is encrypted and swaps its identity, providing an anonymity layer.

While the Tor Network was developed with a noble purpose, it has also been co-opted for less savory activities. Today, the dark web is often associated with illegal activities, black markets, and cybercrime. However, it remains a vital tool for whistleblowers, journalists, and activists who need to communicate securely and anonymously.

Conclusion

The dark web's name and purpose have evolved over time. From government-developed technology to a network of anonymous communication, the dark web now encompasses a wide range of uses. While it has been misused, its origins and purpose remain rooted in the desire for privacy and security.