The Dark Web

The recent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) of a resident of Uttarakhand under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act sheds light on the pervasive nature of illicit activities thriving on the Dark Web. This underscores the international scope of criminal operations facilitated by the anonymity of online platforms.

What is the Dark Web?

• The Dark Web refers to online content accessible only through specialized software or configurations on overlay networks.
• It's a part of the deep web, which search engines don't index, making it less visible to regular internet users.
• Anonymity and Encryption: Dark net users' identities and locations are mostly unknown due to layers of security and encryption. This anonymity makes tracing individuals challenging for law enforcement agencies.

Implication of dark web

• Anonymity and Privacy Concerns: The dark web allows anonymous access, aiding privacy but posing challenges for identifying malicious actors.
• Cybercriminal Activity: Illegal activities like data selling, drug trade, and hacking services thrive, posing significant cybersecurity threats.
• Data Breaches and Leaks: Stolen data from breaches is sold on the dark web, leading to identity theft and further exploitation.
• Marketplace for Malware: Cybercriminals buy malware and hacking tools, making it easier to launch attacks on vulnerable systems.
• Collaboration and Information Sharing: While used for crime, the dark web also facilitates information exchange on cybersecurity threats.
• Recruitment and Insider Threats: Malicious actors recruit insiders or coax employees to leak sensitive data, undermining cybersecurity.
• DDoS Attacks: Dark web offers DDoS-for-hire services, enabling large-scale attacks disrupting online services.
• Law Enforcement Challenges: Dark web's anonymity and encryption make tracking and prosecuting cybercriminals difficult.

Legality in India:

• Accessing the dark web is legal in India, as it falls under the constitutional right to access the internet (Article 21).
• However, the lack of stringent laws governing cyberspace poses unique challenges.
• Illegal Activities on the Dark Web:
  • Child pornography is a severe offense under Section 67(B) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, and Section 14 and 15B of the POCSO Act, 2012.
  • Human Trafficking: The Indian Penal Code addresses offenses related to trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors. Sections 372 and 373 prohibit the buying and selling of girls for prostitution, a form of human trafficking.
  • Selling and purchasing weapons and drugs on the dark web are illegal. Section 24 of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, imposes punishment for drug trafficking, even if conducted externally.