Created as a way for people to safely and covertly communicate in oppressed nations, the dark web has since evolved to become synonymous with the worst aspects of humanity. Its design toward anonymity has been exploited by hackers and other bad actors, leading to the proliferation of hacked, breached, and leaked data, as well as drug markets, extremist forums, and havens for human trafficking.

“Although it may be used for legitimate purposes, such as privacy or for the exchange of confidential business information or communication by political activists, it is also a hub for illegal activity and black-market sales,” the U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated.