The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and requires special software like the Tor browser to access. It is often associated with illegal activities, but there are also some surprising and lesser-known facts about it. Here are some of the most surprising facts about the dark web:

General Facts About the Dark Web

• Hidden Gems and Mundane Content: The dark web is not just about illegal activities. You can find a variety of normal, mundane content as well. "Blogs. Normal mundane blogs. Who is reading this stuff? Why is it posted here? It's really fascinating."

• Marketplaces for Unusual Items: Beyond the typical drugs and weapons, you can find some peculiar items. "I found a store for apple products and in the website there was q&a one of the questions was 'how is it so cheap?' And its answer was 'all of our products is stolen'"

• Peer-to-Peer Networks: The dark web uses peer-to-peer networks and services like TOR to maintain anonymity. "The dark web is a part of the deep web that is based on peer-to-peer networks and services like TOR."

Surprising Uses and Services

• Unusual Services: Some users have found services that are surprisingly creative in their attempts to avoid detection. "This guy would randomize your mail for 6-7 weeks before you planned to get a delivery of something illegal."

• Support and Community: Believe it or not, there are instances of people using the dark web to help others. "A group of 4 or 5 people convincing a 15 year old girl that life is worth living and that suicide isn't the option."

Misconceptions and Realities

• Exaggerated Dangers: The dark web is often portrayed as more dangerous than it actually is. "The dark net has been very over exaggerated by urban legends and things like that over the years."

• Deep Web vs. Dark Web: It's important to distinguish between the deep web and the dark web. The deep web includes any part of the web not indexed by search engines, such as banking sites and email. The dark web is a specific portion of the deep web that requires special software to access. "The Deep web is any part of the web that isn't indexed by search engines which means anything behind a paywall or a site that is password protected."

Security and Risks

• Vulnerability of Physical Infrastructure: The physical backbone of the internet, including undersea fiber-optic cables, is surprisingly fragile. "Undersea fiber-optic cables carry over 95% of international data, linking continents through a few strategic routes."

• Cybersecurity Risks: Human error is a significant factor in cyber breaches. "Over 80% of breaches are due to human error."

Fun and Interesting Facts

• Historical Insights: You can find historical documents and artifacts on the dark web. "Some books and backups of wikipedia in case a government seizes the normal site."

• Random Facts: One user even found a site dedicated to random cat facts on the dark web. "WELCOME TO RANDOM CAT FACTS ON THE DARK WEB! CLICK NEXT FOR YOUR NEW FELINE FACT!"

For more discussions and insights, consider visiting these subreddits:

• r/AskReddit

• r/cybersecurity

• r/TOR