The dark web is much larger than the surface web, estimated to be 500 to 1,000 times bigger, and is home to millions of hidden sites. The most popular way to access the dark web is through the Tor network, which has over 2 million daily users as of 2023. You can’t just stumble onto it; you need special software like the Tor Browser to get in.

There are several common uses for the dark web. A significant portion, about 60 to 70%, is dedicated to illegal activities, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, stolen data, and counterfeit goods. For example, the Silk Road, which was taken down in 2013, had sales over $1.2 billion before it shut down. Other well-known marketplaces like AlphaBay and Hansa Market were also closed down by authorities.