What it is
Why people use it
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Privacy: whistleblowing, research, or avoiding censorship.
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Crime: trading stolen data, malware, drugs, or hacking services under cover of anonymity.
How it works
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Traffic is routed through multiple relays to hide who you are and where a site is hosted.
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Sites use non-standard addresses (e.g.,
.onion), only reachable via special browsers.
Risks to know
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Scams and exit scams are common; sellers vanish with funds.
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Malware and phishing thrive; many downloads are booby-trapped.
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Crypto payments are irreversible; fake “escrow” services abound.
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Law enforcement monitors markets and can deanonymize sloppy users.
If you go there (safety basics)
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Use a dedicated, up-to-date browser/device; avoid downloads.
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Never reveal personal info; assume chats are logged.
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Treat links, files, and “wallet helpers” as hostile.
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Understand local laws—access isn’t a crime, activity can be.