Have you ever explored the deep web and dark web? Would you simply like to understand what these expressions mean?
Both terms are similarly mysterious as they sound, but they’re not synonymous at all, despite how similar they may appear on the surface. That’s why, tech-savvy publications usually include a disclaimer while discussing the dark web, to remind their readers not to confuse it with the deep web, which is related, yet very different.
If they are not synonyms, what are the dark web and the deep web, and why are technology reporters so hesitant to use these terms?
What is the Deep Web?
The definition of Deep Web refers to “a portion or group of websites that lie off the radar of conventional search engines, such as those encrypted; the sites that are unindexed.”
In other words, it consists of all the worldwide Web content which is not included in the Surface Web. Search engines such as Google and Yahoo do not index it, since it is hidden from the outside world.
There is no doubt that it is the fastest-growing source of new information on the Internet. The total amount of the deep web is 1000-2000 times greater than that of the surface web.
Deep is an ancient word that is first recorded before the year 900. The word is derived from the Old English adjective dēop and is similar to dip. The term has a variety of meanings, such as mysterious, obscure, and deep.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web, in contrast, is defined as “the part of the Internet intended for hiding from search engines, using masked IP addresses, and available only through a special web browser.
Historically, the term dark (which means “hidden, secret”) was first found back before the year 1000. It comes from the Middle English word ‘derk’.
In both of these cases, the web refers to World Wide Web, a term that was first developed in 1990–95. There is a conclusion to be drawn here that the dark web is a subset of the deep web.
Dark web vs Deep web
The following are some major differences between Dark Web and Deep Web:
| Deep Web | Dark Web |
| The deep web is the part of the Internet that is hidden and not shown from standard search engines.
You need a password, encryption, or special software to access it. It is bigger than the Surface web. Usually, they are used for legitimate reasons that demand anonymity. It consists of all the unindexed web pages. You can use a VPN to access it. |
The dark web is just a fraction of the deep web that is intentionally hidden.
You need to use Tor Project or a similar browser to access this. It is a portion of the Deep Web, but it has no measurable size. Occasionally used for illegal activities. It only consists of a fraction of unindexed web pages inside the deep web. You need to take lots of precautions in order to access the data. |
Application of the Deep Web
The following are some important applications of the Deep Web:
- Used primarily for military purposes
- Used in Scientific research
- Businesses and police departments also use it
- Investigative journalists and whistleblowers
- A group of protesters and a group advocating against censorship
- Politically oppressed citizens of oppressive regimes
Application of the Dark Web
The following are some important applications of the Dark Web:
- Large companies, associations, and trade organizations use it extensively on their internal sites.
- The intranet systems of schools, colleges, and universities use this to access online databases.
- Used in websites that are password-protected and only accessible to members
- It’s possible to access some individual accounts, such as social media, email, and banking.
- Additionally, it can be used to interact with other users on social media, blogs, and chats.
- You can use this tool to find hidden Yahoo Answers.
- Provide access to public records, certificates, and library system indices.
- The software is even used for computer classes and technology courses.
Which is worse, the Deep Web or the Dark Web?
In the Deep Web, there is only a very small amount of dark web content, approx. 0.01% that cannot be searched by standard search engines. Therefore, if you can’t find what you’re looking for using Google, it’s probably still in the World Wide Web, just in the less accessible Deep Web.
Is it dangerous to access the Deep Web?
Deep web sites are relatively safe, especially when you compare them to Dark Web sites. Most Dark Web sites are associated with illegal activity but not all. So, it is relatively safe to access content on the deep web.
Why not use the Deep Web?
There are several cons/drawbacks with Deep Web:
- Deep Web search engines usually are slower than typical search engines.
- The Deep Web requires a search string that is precise as well.
- The Deep Web works less smoothly.
- It is also possible for deep Web searches to reveal sensitive information from databases that are normally restricted.
- This may create ethical dilemmas and leave people vulnerable to fraud as well as allowing you to identify the theft.
Why use the Dark Web?
These are the pros/benefits of the Dark Web:
- People in countries that are subjected to censorship, oppression, and intimidation can express themselves anonymously on the dark web.
- Security is paramount for businesses, especially those dealing with sensitive data.
How much bigger is the Deep Web than the Surface Web?
According to our document scoring methods, the deep Web is about 500 times larger than the surface Web, with an average document quality that is about three times higher.