There be Basilisks...

Are you aware of the 'dark web'? Until relatively recently I had no idea that an alternative internet existed. It is not to be found using conventional browsers and requires a download for its perusal. Apparently, the stuff you can access by the likes of Google accounts for less than 1% of the web sites out in the aether. The rest is hidden to Google's search bots and as you might expect, some of the websites on the 'dark web' are not for the faint-hearted. To gain entry you need to download a browser  called, TOR, which stands for 'The Onion Router'. Your location is not revealed and browsing habits are not monitored, maybe. Apparently the system is set up so your browser experience is totally anonymous. This is achieved by routing your search through a series of network nodes and each stage of the process is encrypted. Therefore, in theory, the whole browsing experience remains unassailable.  

So what sort of sites can you find on the under web? Government agencies use it to place files not meant for common readership. Obviously, you can't access this sort of stuff. I suspect, like the conventional web, much of what you can access is fairly harmless and banal. However, there are sites which might be considered as gnarly. The 'Silk Road' was particularly notorious and sold drugs and guns. Interestingly, the site was recently closed down and the owner prosecuted by the FBI. So much for anonymity. I suppose there is a measure of 'privacy' and most folk will not warrant close attention and be exposed. Although if you gain the attention of the 'authorities' then there is no such thing as total 'un-traceability'; browser beware. There are sites where you can hire a hit man; sites supposedly showing 'snuff' videos and other extreme stuff that we can all imagine but can't comprehend.

If you do decide to access the 'Dark Web', the watchword should be, 'prudent surfing'. Some things once seen can't be unseen. Take care. Although I have downloaded TOR, I haven't used it yet. There are some really sick bastards out there and they all have internet access. For all my bluster, I'm fairly conventional in my browsing tastes and have no wish to stray into the dark, horrid abyss. My nightmares are florid enough as it is.

No terrorist purchase allowed!