Congressional Research Service

Dark Web Congressional Research Service

The layers of the Internet go far beyond the surface content that many can easily access in their daily searches. The other content is that of the traditional search engines such as Google. The furthest corners of the Deep Web, segments known as the Dark Web, contain content that has been used for legitimate purposes as well as to conceal criminal or otherwise malicious activities. It is the exploitation of the Dark Web for illegal practices that has garnered the interest of policymakers. This report illuminates information on the various layers of the Internet, with a particular focus on the Dark Web. It discusses both legitimate and illicit uses of the Dark Web, including how the government may rely upon it. Throughout, the report raises issues that policy makers may consider as they explore means to curb malicious activity online.