The Dark Web Explained Like You're Five

What is the difference between surface web deep web and dark web ?

Surface Web

You describe the surface web as the very top layer of the ocean—the sunny, shallow water where everyone is splashing around. This is the part of the internet that we use every day, including public websites, news articles, and online shops. It's the part that's easily accessible by search engines like Google, which you liken to a lifeguard who can only see what's happening on the surface. You note that the surface web makes up only about 5% of the entire internet.

Deep Web

The deep web, according to your analogy, is everything underneath the surface. You clarify that despite its name, it's not scary but instead a private part of the internet that we use constantly. You compare it to a world of private buildings and houses that you can't just walk into. You need a key, which you explain is our username and password, to access things like:

• Email inboxes

• Online banking accounts

• Private social media messages

• Company networks

• Academic and medical records

You state that the deep web is the biggest part of the internet and is crucial for keeping our personal information private.

Dark Web

Finally, you introduce the dark web as a very small, hidden trench at the bottom of the ocean. You explain that it's intentionally anonymous and requires a special browser, like Tor (The Onion Router), to access it. You describe how Tor works like an onion, creating multiple layers of encryption that bounce your connection between different computers around the world. This makes it almost impossible for anyone to trace your activity back to you.

You note that this anonymity makes the dark web a tool that can be used for both good and bad. You highlight its use by:

• Journalists and activists in oppressive countries

• Whistleblowers

• People who want to avoid corporate tracking

Conversely, you acknowledge that it's also a place for illegal activities like marketplaces for stolen data and criminal planning, which is what often makes the news. You end by clarifying that simply using the dark web isn't illegal, but participating in illegal activities on it is. You also mention that it can be very slow and difficult to navigate.