As an expert in cybersecurity and internet technologies, I can provide a detailed explanation of the differences between the Deep Web and the Dark Web. It's important to clarify that these two terms are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to distinct concepts within the broader scope of the internet.

The World Wide Web (WWW) is the part of the internet that most people are familiar with. It's the collection of web pages and websites that can be accessed using standard web browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. However, the WWW represents only a small fraction of the total information available on the internet. The rest is known as the Deep Web.

The Deep Web is a term that refers to the vast amount of web content that is not indexed by standard search engines. This includes databases, online marketplaces, subscription-based services, and private websites that require a login. The Deep Web is not inherently malicious; it's simply content that is not publicly accessible without specific credentials or permissions. Examples of the Deep Web include online banking systems, medical records, university databases, and many other sources of information that are intended to be private for various reasons, such as privacy, security, or exclusivity.

Now, let's talk about the Dark Web. The Dark Web is a subset of the Deep Web. It is a part of the internet that has been intentionally hidden and is not accessible through standard web browsers. The Dark Web is often associated with illegal activities due to its anonymity and the use of special software to access it. The most well-known tool for accessing the Dark Web is the TOR (The Onion Router) network.

The TOR network is a system that enables online anonymity. It does this by routing internet traffic through a worldwide volunteer overlay network. This process involves encrypting data and bouncing it through a series of relays, which makes it difficult to trace the data back to its source. The TOR network can only be accessed using a special web browser, known as the TOR browser. This browser is designed to protect users' privacy and security by concealing their identity and location.

While the Dark Web is infamous for hosting illegal marketplaces, it's important to note that it also serves as a platform for whistleblowers, journalists, and activists who rely on its anonymity to communicate and share information without fear of persecution. The Dark Web has been instrumental in exposing corruption and promoting free speech in repressive regimes.

In summary, the Deep Web encompasses all web pages and databases that are not indexed by search engines, while the Dark Web is a specific section of the Deep Web that requires special tools to access and is known for its anonymity. The Dark Web is a small part of the overall Deep Web, and not all of the Deep Web is associated with illicit activities.

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The Dark Web then is classified as a small portion of the Deep Web that has been intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. ... The TOR network is an anonymous network that can only be accessed with a special web browser, called the TOR browser.Mar 27, 2014read more >>