People from different fields use the dark web legally and illegally as well. But the main dark web users use it for illicit purposes.
Read this blog and know who are the main darknet users and why they use this part of the internet.
Who are the Main Dark Web Users in 2024?
Countries including the United States of America, Russia, China, Iran, and Brazil show up as main users of the dark web and mainly contribute to this web traffic. Most dark web users use it to avoid government censorship, research, anonymity, cybercriminal activities, and buying and selling illegal products and services.
Here we have shared who are the main users of the dark net and why they use it.
Cybercriminals
Over 65% of main dark web users are involved in phishing activities, making it easier for people to become victims of these cybercriminals. There are various types of cybercriminals, including those who engage in phishing scams and those who install remote malware on devices. These criminals extort money or data from their victims, often using malware to steal data and blackmail them. Large-scale cybercriminals engage in corporate spying schemes, stealing work data and selling it to competitors. They may start to sell the stolen data on the dark net or have been hired by a competitor to steal project data.
Why do cybercriminals use the dark web?
Cybercriminals use the dark web to test vulnerabilities, spread exploit knowledge, or know defenses against online threats. Regardless of the purpose, the main goal of cybercriminals on dark web links is to engage in illegal activities.
Whistleblowers
People often turn to the dark web for data about crime, revealing it to the police or other authorities. Whistleblowers, like employees, are frowned upon in industries, making them reluctant to report illegal activities. However, the anonymization system on the dark web has made it a haven for these individuals. Onion sites allow whistleblowers to reveal data while maintaining their safety. The dark net also features sites that allow individuals to expose crimes even if they die in the process. Dark web links allow users to schedule sensitive emails to authorities, with some apps requiring specific login times to prevent messages from being sent. This has led to a significant increase in whistleblowers as the main dark web users.
Why do Whistleblowers use the dark web?
Whistleblowers frequently provide private data and exchange documents to media outlets anonymously using programs darknet sites like SecureDrop or Tor Mail.
Govt Organizations
Another main dark web users are Government organizations, despite the misconception that it is illegal. This hidden part of the internet is used to save sensitive information and communicate with their teams. The CIA uses an official Tor version to be anonymous and allows for easy communication with their teams. Other intelligence agencies use the dark net for undercover operations and communication during special operations. The legality of dark web links depends on their usage, and it is difficult to interfere with government communications on this web. Overall, the use of the dark web offers better safety and efficiency for government organizations.
Why do Govt organizations use the dark web?
Almost all government organizations around the world use the dark web to conceal their communications with their teams and save sensitive data easily.
Political Activists
Political activists are individuals actively involved in campaigns targeting political or social issues, often found on the dark internet due to its numerous discussion forums. These activists are mainly from countries with strict government surveillance, such as Russia, China, and Brazil, which block news sites and discussion forums in their regions. As a result, citizens often access the dark net to get news from other countries. Some activists also refer to themselves as freedom fighters, raising their voices for noble causes. Despite the majority of political activists on the dark net being from China and the Middle East, the number of people from other countries is increasing due to restrictions.
Why do Political activists use the dark web?
Activists are also the main dark web users who connect without worrying about being monitored, share data safely, and get around official restrictions. Many people believe that the dark web is their sole option for participating in political conversation without running the danger of incarceration.
Illegal Sellers and Buyers
The dark net is a popular platform for selling illegal items, with many crimes such as phishing scams, data theft, and weapon sales occurring daily. In 2024, the most common crime on the dark net is drug selling, with many markets like Hydra Market and Silk Road being taken down. There are various types of sellers, including small-scale businesses and large-scale markets with proper teams operating internationally. Many cartels have also started using the dark net to communicate with partners and streamline their distribution processes. Despite the numerous illegal items selling platforms, main dark web users also purchase legal things.
Why do Illegal sellers and buyers use the dark web?
The dark web is home to several illicit markets where narcotics, counterfeit items, hacking tools, firearms, and stolen data are traded. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are frequently used by cybercriminals to carry out anonymous transactions, which makes it more difficult for law authorities to track down their acts.
Abuse And Discrimination Victims
Citizens often criticize abuse and discrimination victims when they speak up for their rights. However, the dark internet offers a more reliable platform for these victims, as it lets them raise their voices without fear of suppression. Abuse and discrimination victims are also included among the main dark web users. As it allows them to create discussion forums and platforms where their statements will not be suppressed. If you have experienced abuse or discrimination, you may also use the dark net to share your story.
Why do abuse and discrimination victims use the dark web?
The dark web provides anonymity, unfiltered resources, and safe contact for victims of abuse and discrimination. It allows people to report misconduct, get in touch with support systems, ask for assistance, and avoid surveillance—particularly in oppressive regions.
Undercover Journalists
Undercover journalists are also the main dark web users who share anonymous data and communicate with whistleblowers, bringing their topics to light. This helps to protect the whistleblower’s identity and allows them to access the material they need from a reliable source. In addition to communicating with whistleblowers, undercover journalists can find documents and research material on the dark net, including official documents and records, which can help expose corruption and other crimes. This secure and anonymous platform allows for a more effective and transparent investigation procedure.
Why do undercover journalists use the darknet?
Undercover journalists use the dark web to communicate securely, remain anonymous, and get material that has been banned. In oppressive settings, it allows people to carry sensitive data, safeguard sources, and avoid scrutiny.
Cryptocurrency Users
People who use cryptocurrencies are also the main dark web users. However cryptocurrencies are not directly linked to the dark net, they play a vital role in enabling anonymous transactions. Many dark web marketplaces accept cryptocurrencies as payment. It makes them the preferred technique for buying goods and services on the darknet.
Why do people with cryptocurrency use the dark web?
The dark web is used by crypto users for privacy, anonymous transactions, and access to products and services that aren’t offered in conventional marketplaces.
Rare Art and Book Collectors
Art theft has been a significant issue in the past, with high-quality artwork stolen from museums and private collections. Authorities are searching for these stolen pieces, but they cannot sell them at galleries or transfer them without damaging them. As a result, thieves sell stolen artwork on the dark net, where passionate art and book lovers pay significant sums to acquire rare pieces. On the dark net, there are entire bookstores where pirated books, eBooks, and original versions of rare books are available. These markets are a hot spot for passionate collectors, as they offer a unique opportunity to acquire rare art and books without damaging the originals.
Why do rare art and book collectors use the dark web?
Collectors of rare art and books turn to the dark web For secrecy, access to rare or prohibited products, reduced prices, and safe cryptocurrency payments.
Sum Up
In this post we have shared the main dark web users and why they use this internet. Most of the dark net users seek anonymity to be involved in illegal things. But there are also some users like journalists, human activists whistleblowers who use it for legal use. It means that the dark net is not only for criminals and illegal things.
