Below this hidden but non-inflammatory layer comes the dark web, the area of the internet researchers in the Texas study penetrated. Most estimates suggest at least 5% of all web content resides on the dark web. A 2015 study of dark web content found over 50% of all material hosted was illicit. The fact that dark web content is inaccessible to search engines like Google is an asset for anyone looking to buy or sell illegal narcotics online.
- “Exit scams” occur when marketplace operators suddenly shut down, stealing funds from escrow wallets and disappearing.
- Hackers could potentially utilize information found there to commit identity theft or fraud.
- If your teen asks about Bitcoin, find out what he knows about it and why he’s interested in it.
- Drugs such as acid and other dangerous substances can arrive to your doorstep in discreet packaging so you may not have any concern of what your teenager may be getting up to.
Behind-the-Screen Drug Dealers: Your Teen May Be Buying Drugs Online
Weiser urged social media companies to adopt strong, uniform practices to prevent and respond to illegal drug sales. He also called for a federal agency to oversee social media platforms and legislation that would give the federal government more access to their data. Officials spoke with former drug users and sellers and families of overdose victims for the report. 2Easy is a quickly-growing dark web marketplace that’s based around a similar concept as the Genesis Market. The market now has an established reputation among cybercriminals, which means that any stolen credentials for sale on there are likely to provide valid access to systems, services, or apps. Whatever your role in infosec, you probably know by now that dark web marketplaces offer budding and expert hackers various tools, data, credentials, ransomware, and malware for sale, with payment usually made via cryptocurrency.
The dark web has long been associated with illegal activities, including the sale of drugs. However, with the increasing crackdown on these illicit markets, many people are wondering if it is still possible to buy drugs on the dark web.
What is the Dark Web?
Government
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and requires special software to access. It is often used for illegal activities because of its anonymity and lack of regulation. The most common dark web marketplaces are found on the Tor network, which allows users to browse the web anonymously.
Combating Transnational Crime
The Crackdown on Dark Web Markets
In recent years, law enforcement agencies around the world have been cracking down on dark web markets. High-profile busts have led to the shutdown of several major marketplaces, including the infamous Silk Road. These busts have resulted in the arrest of many of the site administrators and vendors, as well as the seizure of millions of dollars in cryptocurrency.
The Current State of Dark Web Markets
Despite the crackdown, it is still possible to buy drugs on the dark web. However, the landscape has changed significantly. Many of the larger marketplaces have been shut down, and vendors and buyers have had to move to smaller, more discreet platforms. These platforms often have fewer listings and less reliable vendors, making it more difficult to find and purchase drugs.
The first arrest and conviction of a person for dealing in drugs over Silk Road actually occurred in Australia, with the accused apprehended for trafficking in cocaine and MDMA. The founder of Silk Road, who was known as “Dread Pirate Roberts”, was charged, tried and convicted on charges that including money laundering, computer hacking and conspiracy to traffic narcotics. The US District Court in Manhattan sentenced the man to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole and ordered him to forfeit 183 million dollars in proceeds of crime. Purchasing drugs cut with unwanted products is a key concern for online drug shoppers.
The Risks of Buying Drugs on the Dark Web
Buying drugs on the dark web is not without risks. Transactions are often conducted in cryptocurrency, which can be difficult to trace. Additionally, there is no guarantee of the quality or safety of the drugs being sold. Many vendors are unscrupulous and will sell fake or contaminated products. There is also the risk of being caught by law enforcement, as many of these sites are constantly monitored.
Conclusion
While it is still possible to buy drugs on the dark web, the landscape has changed significantly in recent years. With the crackdown on dark web markets, it is more difficult to find reliable vendors and transactions are more risky. It is important to remember that buying drugs illegally is a criminal offense and can result in serious consequences.
