The Surface Web is what the average user thinks of as ‘the internet’. It can then be divided into two elements: the Surface Web and the Deep Web. To shed light on the Dark Web, one must first understand what it is and how it differs from what most users wrongly consider to be the internet.Īctually, the internet comprises every single server, computer, and other device that is connected together in a network of networks. Like most stereotypes, that is a misconception with some truth behind it. It is portrayed as a den of mysterious and illicit activity. Many consumers of the news have heard of the Dark Web. As the United States develops and refines policy regarding the Dark Web, the international community will also be manoeuvring to put in place regulations, and it is essential that these regulations be compatible while staying true to the values of the internet users that those governments serve. This paper explores two specific policy topics: (1) determining the appropriate role of government in regulating the Dark Web and (2) exploring the most effective and reasonable methods for government to intervene. By examining cases where a government agency has enforced laws on the Dark Web, one can glean an understanding of which policies will be most successful going forward. The Dark Web’s complete history, from its creation to the latest incidents of government intervention, remains relevant to today’s debate. This paper aims to provide context and policy recommendations pertaining to the Dark Web based on open-source research.

Policy-makers must gain an understanding of the Dark Web in order to engage intelligently in the debate and enact effective Dark Web policy. The Dark Web is at the centre of the debate over whether online anonymity should be maintained in spite of the illegal activity that it enables.

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