Beneath the Surface: Exploring the Dark Web and its Societal Impacts

Sammanfattning: The Dark Web is a hidden part of the Internet that has gained attention due to its illegal activities and potential impact on society. This thesis aims to explore the structure of the Dark Web and its actors. Moreover, this thesis covers the effects the Dark Web has had onindividuals and society. A comprehensive literature review, interviews with experts, andexplorations of the Dark Web was used to gather information. The findings reveal that theDark Web consists of hidden services that are only accessible using specialised software and tools which helps individuals remain anonymous. Different actors operating on the DarkWeb are identified and categorised into two different categories, lawful and unlawful based on the activities carried by them. The thesis aims to categorise and analyse the motives and behaviours of these actors. Anonymity provided by the Dark Web serves different kinds ofpurposes and can facilitate illegal activities such as drug trafficking and cybercrime while also providing a platform for individuals to be able to express their thoughts freely. The study concludes that the Dark Web influences various aspects of society such as privacy, security and criminal justice. The research seeks to unveil both the potential benefits and risks associated with the Dark Web and which challenges it poses for law enforcementagencies. Moreover, the study calls for methods which can be used to combat the negative impact the Dark Web has on society.