Dark Web vs Black Web: What’s the Difference?
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By Farrukh Mushtaq
Farrukh Mushtaq
See author profileFarrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.
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7 March 2025
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15 mins read
The world of the Internet is not as simple as it seems. There are many hidden layers built for different purposes. The term Dark Web is thrown around a lot and is considered to be the only sublayer of the internet, but that is far from the truth.
Many layers work toward different goals and are hidden from our eyes. Here, we’ll discuss the dark web and black web and everything there is to know about the two terms.
What is The Dark Web?
The Dark Web is one of the most popular terms thrown around in the media, referring to a deeper layer of the internet that is inaccessible through normal search engines like Google and Bing. It is infamous for a lot of suspicious activities and is mostly used by people trying to hide from the authorities.
The dark web is a famous hub for collecting restricted information and more and can be accessed through specialized software like Tor.
What is The Black Web?
The term Black Web is often used interchangeably with dark web, but they do not represent the same thing. The Black Web represents the black part of the internet associated with illegal activities and other unlawful transactions.
These actions can be done on the dark web but are not necessarily bound by it. A lot of black web activity is done through our normal web.
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Dark Web vs Black Web: Key Differences
| Aspect | Dark Web | Black Web |
| Definition | Intentionally hidden parts of the internet that require special software to access | Refers to illegal markets, transactions, and underground activities |
| Access | Requires software like Tor to access | Can exist on both the dark web and the surface web |
| Usage | Known for anonymity and associated with dangerous activities | Characterized by non-compliance with legal and institutional rules |
| Legal Activities | Used by political activists, journalists, and whistleblowers for secure communication | Focuses on illegal goods and services |
| Scope | It is a specific part of the deep web | Not a specific part of the internet but a term for illegal and black markets |
Is the Black Web Dangerous?
The Black Web is one of the most dangerous parts of the internet, filled with illegal activities, scams, frauds, and malicious hackers. Since the black web does not represent a single part of the internet, a lot of the sites and markets are spread out on the surface web as well, which makes it even more dangerous.
The Dark Web has a clear boundary between the surface web and itself, while the Black Web can be stumbled upon by mistake, and you can end up leaking your data and more.
A lot of the black web activity takes place on the dark web due to its anonymity and security. However, this does not mean that the black web is all bad. The general perception is to stay away from the dark web as it can be a dangerous thing, and you could end up leaking your personal information there.
These stories about the dark web really create a sense of curiosity among people, but safely accessing the dark web is entirely different. Without proper safety and software, you cannot even access the dark web.
Even if one gets access to the dark web, things are not so simple, as you would need a proper guide on which sites to visit and what to avoid since the dark web is a very shady place to be.
How to Find Out if Your Data Is on the Dark Web?
Proactive monitoring is crucial to protect your sensitive information.
PureVPN's Dark Web Monitoring delivers real-time alerts if your data surfaces in underground markets, giving you critical time to react. See your privacy score to understand past leaks. If you suspect a breach, immediately reset passwords, enable MFA, and monitor accounts for suspicious activity.
How to Enable Dark Web Monitoring on PureVPN
- Download PureVPN on your device or update your existing VPN app.
- Visit the Members Area to get access.
- Go to Dark Web Monitoring from the main menu.
- Select Add Assets to Monitor.
- Add your email address, SSN, credit card number, passport number, and phone number.
- Mention the code sent to your registered number, and you’re done.
7. Take the recommended steps if your data is part of a breach.
8. You can mark the breaches as resolved.
How can a VPN Enhance Online Privacy
A reliable VPN can be the best option to access the dark web, providing you with:
Secure and Private Access
When accessing the dark web, a VPN keeps your data and connection secure, preventing the leakages of your essential data.
Hide Your IP Address
A VPN keeps your IP address hidden, maintaining anonymity of your identity.
Prevent Cyber Threats
By using a VPN, you can prevent being a victim of scammers, hackers, and malicious actors who use phishing and identity theft against you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Is the black web illegal?
The black web is a term used to describe black markets, underground economies, and illegal trades of information. This means that everything on the black web is considered to be illegal and can have security risks without proper precautions.
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What are some legal uses of the Dark Web?
The dark web is often associated with illegal and dangerous activities, but this is not always the case. There are a lot of legal uses of the dark web, like accessing banned academic journals, restricted books, and surface websites that the governments ban.
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How is the Black Web different from the Dark Web?
The dark web represents a specific part of the deep web that you need specialized software to access. The black web refers to the illegal marketplaces and illicit activities anywhere on the internet, including the dark web.
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Is it safe to visit Black Web Marketplaces?
No, it is not safe to visit black web marketplaces as they are specifically built for illegal activities, and visiting them can lead to legal consequences and could put your identity at risk.
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Can you use regular search engines to find Dark Web sites?
No, dark web sites are not indexed by your regular search engines and cannot be stumbled upon by mistake. To browse dark web sites, you’d need special software that lets you securely access them, like Tor.
Wrap Up
The dark web and black web describe two different parts of the internet and are risky without the proper equipment and knowledge. The black markets and underground markets are an important part of the modern world, with their pros and cons, and you should know the right steps to protect your data
