The Dark web is a part on the online world that isn't conventionally accessible. It takes different types of software and computer knowledge to access the content present in this space. As a parent, nothing can be more important than to monitor your child's internet access and track his activities. However, it is easy for kids in the modern digital age to seek and learn how to use specific types of software to access disturbing online content, buy and sell illegal items, etc.
The advancement in technology has allowed children to learn and grow in many aspects of life. The many opportunities that platforms such as YouTube and Instagram provide are one of the positive effects of the internet. Search engines such as Google have been a game-changer when it comes to online education and knowledge seeking.
There are plenty of parents whose knowledge about the internet does not exceed past using social media networks such as Facebook and YouTube or just searching for random stuff on Google. However, to the dismay of many, there is a whole different world on the World Wide Web, which is referred to as the dark web.
The internet generically has three subdivisions. The internees, that are a part of our daily use, the deep web that is useful for the government and the dark web.
This area of the internet is only accessible for people who are either invited to use its interface or use special software to enter these domains. You might find some very disturbing and creepy information regarding the dark web on the internet. It has been in existence single Google was a basic HTML format.
The deep web and the dark web differ in many aspects; predominantly they are not easily accessible by people who are unaware of its existence. In short, you will not just stumble on it, however, as parents, you cannot be satisfied by this, in today's world information and especially a mysterious phenomenon such as this one is a curiosity to most youngsters.
Your child may not be specifically looking for its content, rather just browsing for the sake of curiosity. This is as bad as looking for it on purpose. As a parent, here is what you need to know about this disturbing trend:
1. Accessibility
As mentioned before you cannot just access the dark web like you can other websites on the internet. But it is not rocket science either; You can easily find the procedure and download the software needed to access this area by simply searching for it on regular search engines. If your child has access to a bank account or can pay online, they may just be able to join the websites and communities on that side of the internet.
2. The BitCoin
This is a digital currency, a payment system that has no repository and cannot be linked to a single administrator. All its transactions are peer-to-peer and this is the currency that is used on the dark web. If your child can pay online they can easily buy this cryptocurrency and access the dark web to make unconventional purchases or procure memberships.
3. How Bad Is It?
The Dark Web is the part of the internet where all illegal activities, drug trafficking, and other unimaginable actions take place. You get free access to forums that promote content such as child trafficking, hitmen, drugs, and even cannibalism. This is not what anyone would like their children to be a part of.
There are horrifying experiences and stories about the dark web that will shake you to the core. People who have accessed these websites claim that even though it boasts anonymity, there is no safety of identity; once you enter you might find yourself on pages that contain content that should not even exist by ethical and human standards. There are no warnings or barriers to the browsing; Just a click and you may end up on a page that offers you membership to cults or an opportunity to join extremist groups.
Bottom Line
You can only access this nefarious part of the internet when using the Tor browser; It is a browser much like Chrome, Firefox or the Internet Explorer. If you find this on your child's computer or phone, it is time to take the necessary steps to ensure your child is not exposed to the potentially malicious content. However, some authors and internet enthusiasts argue that the whole concept is a myth and there can be useful data and information available on the dark web. However, a curious immature mind does not know where to draw a line.
