Recently, the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET-UG) and University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) exam paper leaks on the dark web before the exam have sparked nationwide protests and concerns.
Dark Net
- The dark net is a concealed section of the internet that regular search engines do not index. It can only be accessed using specialised browsers such as Tor (The Onion Router).
- It was initially developed to facilitate secure, anonymous communication, primarily for government and military use.
- However, it has recently become associated with criminal activities such as the sale of illegal weapons and drugs.
- Conversations on the dark net are heavily encrypted, leaving no trace of communication between sender and receiver, ensuring high anonymity for users.
- Indian law does not penalize the use or access of the Dark Net, as accessing it is legal in India. However, using it for illegal purposes is punishable under the law.
Is it legal to access the dark web in India
- Accessing the dark web is legal in India.
- The Indian government does not consider it as an illegal activity.
- However, this does not mean that any person can do whatever he wants.
- Activities such as buying child pornography, guns, pistols, rifles, drugs, etc. are considered illegal. Therefore, the dark web itself is not illegal, but the activity or intent of a person while using it is taken into consideration.
- According to Indian law, the use or access of the dark web is not considered punishable, as its use is legal in India.
- Using it for illegal purposes is punishable under the law of India.
Regulatory Challenges in Regulating the Dark Web in India
- Encryption technology and anonymity: The biggest challenge of the dark web lies in its strong encryption technologies and the anonymity of the users.
- Transactions in cryptocurrencies: Most financial transactions on the dark web are done in cryptocurrencies, which provide additional anonymity and make it difficult to trace transactions.
- Cross-border nature: The cross-border nature of the dark web further complicates the matter, as it involves users from different countries, necessitating international cooperation.
- Ensuring freedom of information and the right to online privacy: Eliminating illegal activities flourishing on the dark web and at the same time ensuring freedom of information and the right to online privacy is also a big challenge.
Potential threats of the dark net
- Identity abuse: Log-in details and other personal information are purchased on the dark net, which is misused to create fake identities, financial fraud and other crimes. Apart from this, there may be availability of such data on the dark net which can be used in other practices as well.
- Malware and ransomware: Another threat of the dark net is malware and ransomware. Most malware is circulated on the dark net and then used on publicly accessible websites, so being on the dark net can put you at risk of being exposed to malware or ransomware that can harm a business or steal someone’s identity.
- Drug trafficking: The dark net is a major haven for drug dealers, who sell narcotics on the dark net with impunity. Distribution information for drugs and other illegal materials may also be available on the dark net.
- Terrorism: The dark net can be a place for terrorists to share information, recruit terrorists, and plan terrorist activities and other crimes. Terrorists also use the dark net to illegally purchase explosives and weapons using bitcoin and other crypto-currencies.
- Child pornography: The dark net has been used for trafficking, child pornography, and other crimes. An international investigation to trace users of dark web child pornography websites has led to the arrest of about 337 people in the US.