Written By Small Arms Survey
“The FBI continues to identify and bring to justice drug dealers who believe they can hide their illegal activity through the Darknet,” added FBI Director Christopher A. Wray. The dark web may be safe in some cases—think legitimate content—and not in others. Only about 6.7% of global users use the dark web for malicious purposes, but it’s smart to be selective about the websites you access. When data breaches happen, your information can end up for sale on the dark web — which is why specialized software features like Norton 360 Deluxe Dark Web Monitoring are invaluable when it comes to protecting your identity online. Here’s a guide that will help you learn about the dark web, the sites that populate it, and how you can visit it safely using the added protection of a VPN and antivirus software. The dark web is a part of the internet consisting of hidden sites that aren’t indexed by conventional search engines.
The Dark Web and Firearms: An Underworld of Illicit Trade
Tor, along with its competitor Java Anon Proxy, is heralded by users as more robust than fingerprinting procedures on websites in relation to alternative tunneling protocols and much more. As such, Tor users proclaim that their freedoms are upheld in a way that is incomparable to traditional programs with their tracking and modicum of data surveillance. It is worth noting, however, that Tor does not completely resolve anonymity issues on the net by erasing a user’s surfing footprint. Rather, it functions to reduce the possibility for various sites to track a user’s actions and send crucial information back to the inquiring parts. Tor makes it difficult to track a person’s online presence and comprehensively provides a cover for the purposes of visiting websites, dark web links, making online posts, sending instant messages, and nearly all other forms of electronic communication.
In stark contrast, surfing the Dark Web is an entirely different matter altogether, with masking software used to render a personal computer anonymous while masking identity, location, IP address, and more. There is a wide range of people that benefit from the Deep Web’s capability to allow anonymous use and communication. Listed below are individuals or groups who have benefitted from the Deep Web in the past and whom also continue to benefit from its existence today. The police linked me to the evidence room robbery and I’m now serving twenty years in the state pen. My hand throbs every time there is a change in the weather, and I don’t sleep much anymore always wondering if this day will be my last.
Such user anonymity is sometimes crucial when one resides in a country with high internet censorship. On the other hand, onion hosting services allow one to host a website anonymously, but the content doesn’t necessarily have to be illicit. The fact that the dark web is highly anonymized and encrypted, however, also attracts illicit conduct.
The agents themselves got scammed by others that took the money and never delivered. David M. Desimone III, 18, of 143 Elderberry Lane in Hastings, was charged with 53 felonies and 17 misdemeanors related to illegal firearms, troopers said Friday. — A Central New York teen has been arrested after police discovered he was selling guns on the “dark web” and had hidden them in a secret room in his home, troopers said. For example, in the case of SolarWinds, we have evidence that they have been a target by hackers for a number of years. Several weapon marketplaces on the dark web have listed military-grade firearms allegedly coming from Western countries that sent them to support the Ukrainian army in its fight against the Russian invaders. RAND Europe and the University of Manchester partnered to conduct a study commissioned by the Economic and Social Research Council through the Partnership for Conflict, Crime & Security Research.
The dark web has gained notoriety for a variety of illegal activities, with the trade of firearms being one of the most alarming. The availability of a dark web gun marketplace has raised significant concerns among law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Understanding the Dark Web
- However, vendors and marketplaces must balance revealing enough information about their concealment techniques to gain their customers’ trust while not exposing their methods and routes resulting in law enforcement interdiction.
- Line officers need to develop awareness of the types and scope of illicit dealings on the dark web.
- While Facebook itself has a questionable privacy record, Facebook’s dark web site helps people around the world connect, communicate, and organize, which makes Facebook’s onion portal a valuable tool for people living under repressive regimes.
- DuckDuckGo’s regular site can take you to the dark web, as it brings up onion sites and dark web links when searched.
- While DNMs are overwhelmingly used to buy and sell drugs, there is no doubt that some weapons are for sale.
DIG was developed as part of the DARPA’s Memex initiative, which seeks to develop software and search technologies for countering human trafficking, the illegal arms trade and terrorism. It is currently being tested by six police departments and could expand to as many as 200 this year. “There is a lot of interest from law enforcement agencies,” Szekely said. GAO analyzed documents and interviewed officials to identify actions ATF has taken to prohibit illegal firearm transactions. GAO also attempted to purchase firearms from Dark Web and Surface Web marketplaces. Congressional requesters asked that GAO assess the extent to which ATF is enforcing existing laws and investigate whether online private sellers sell firearms to people who are not allowed or eligible to possess a firearm.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software, configuration, or authorization to access. The most commonly used browser for navigating the dark web is Tor, which anonymizes users and allows them to access websites that cannot be found through conventional means.
Why Guns Are Sold on the Dark Web
Several factors contribute to the demand for dark web guns:
- Privacy and Anonymity: Users can purchase firearms without revealing their identity.
- Bypassing Regulations: The dark web allows individuals to avoid legal restrictions on gun ownership.
- Global Reach: Buyers can source firearms from different countries without traditional barriers.
Common Types of Firearms Available
In the illicit markets of the dark web, a variety of firearms can be found:
- Handguns: Compact and easier to conceal.
- Rifles: Often sought for their range and power.
- Shotguns: Popular for home defense and hunting.
- Homemade Firearms: Kits and instructions for building guns from scratch.
The Risks of Buying Guns on the Dark Web
Purchasing a dark web gun carries significant risks:
- Legal Consequences: Buying illegal firearms can lead to severe legal penalties.
- Financial Risks: Scammers may defraud buyers, taking their money without delivering goods.
- Safety Risks: Illegally obtained firearms may be malfunctioning or dangerous to use.
Preventive Measures and Law Enforcement Actions
Authorities worldwide are working diligently to combat the trade of dark web guns. Here are some strategies they use:
- Monitoring Dark Web Markets: Law enforcement agencies actively track known dark web platforms.
- Sting Operations: Undercover operations are set up to catch sellers and buyers in the act.
- International Cooperation: Agencies collaborate globally to share intelligence and resources.
FAQs about Dark Web Guns
Can anyone access the dark web?
Yes, anyone can access the dark web with the right tools, but it is crucial to understand the associated risks and legal implications.
Are all transactions on the dark web illegal?
While the dark web hosts numerous illegal activities, there are also legal sites and forums. However, caution is always advised.
How do law enforcement track dark web activity?
Law enforcement uses sophisticated techniques, including digital forensics, informants, and undercover operations, to track and apprehend individuals engaged in illegal activity.
What should I do if I encounter illegal listings?
It is advisable to report illegal activity to the appropriate law enforcement authorities rather than engaging with it.
The complex nature of the dark web gun market poses numerous challenges for governments and law enforcement agencies today. Increased awareness and education are critical in combating this issue and maintaining public safety.
