The internet is now an essential part of everyday life. The changes have had a major impact on how we work, communicate, and socialize. From a means of communication, the Internet has evolved into a hub for various economic, educational, and entertainment activities.
The development of the internet, from simple to complex networks that connect billions of people, has changed how people live. This technology enables seamless access to information, global collaboration, and innovation that impacts daily life.
The internet is not just what it seems. There are various layers such as Surface Web, Deep Web, and Dark Web each of which has its functions and risks. Understanding these differences is critical to maintaining security and privacy in an increasingly complex digital world.
Web Levels
The Internet has several different layers, each with different characteristics, functions, and levels of access. Here is an explanation of the three main levels of the internet: Surface Web, Deep Web, and Dark Web.
1. Surface Web
Surface Web is the most accessible part of the internet. This section consists of sites that have been indexed by search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and Bing, so users can find information quickly and easily. Because it’s open to the public, Surface Web is the place where most of the day-to-day digital activity takes place.
Examples of platforms included in Surface Web are:
- Google: The largest search engine for finding a wide range of information.
- Facebook: Social media that connects billions of users around the world.
- YouTube: A video-sharing platform that allows users to enjoy different types of content.
- Wikipedia: An online encyclopedia that is often used as the main reference.
The activity on Surface Web is huge. Every second, more than 70,000 searches are made on Google, 8,000 tweets are posted on Twitter, and 100,000 videos are watched on YouTube. Platforms like Instagram also record thousands of new photos uploaded every second, making Surface Web the world’s center of information and entertainment.
While it looks vast, there are some interesting facts about Surface Web:
- It only covers about 4% of the total internet, while most of the rest of the data is hidden on the Deep Web and the Dark Web.
- Thousands of new content such as photos, videos, and articles are uploaded every second, creating an ever-growing flow of information.
2. Deep Web
The Deep Web is a part of the internet that contains content that cannot be found by search engines like Google. This means that information on the Deep Web does not appear in ordinary searches, so it is often unknown to Internet users.
The Deep Web is different from the Surface Web, which is a part of the internet that is publicly accessible and indexed by search engines. Surface Web includes the sites we use every day, such as social media and news, while the Deep Web stores more personal and sensitive information.
The Deep Web is essential for protecting the privacy and security of user data. A lot of personal information, such as medical records and financial data, is stored here to protect individuals from unauthorized access. With this layer in place, users can feel safer when dealing with sensitive information.
The Deep Web has different types of content, including:
- Academic databases: Many educational institutions store research and data in databases that only students or staff can access.
- Medical Information: Patients’ health records and other medical information are often stored in secure systems to maintain confidentiality.
- Password Protected Portals: Many online services require a login to access certain content, such as email or bank accounts.
The Deep Web is not indexed by search engines because much of its content is password protected or requires special permissions to access. Search engines can only index web pages that are open to the public, while protected information remains hidden from the reach of the public.
Users often access the Deep Web without realizing it. For example, when you check your email or access a medical database through a health portal. This activity shows how we interact with the Deep Web in our daily lives.
3. Dark Web
The Dark Web is a part of the internet that can only be accessed with specialized software, such as TOR (The Onion Router). It is a hidden layer of the internet that is designed to keep the identity of its users private and hide the sites that are on it.
Unlike the Surface Web which can be accessed by anyone and the Deep Web which requires login, the Dark Web was created to protect the user’s identity. Sites on the Dark Web generally don’t have traceable IP addresses, making them very difficult to access without a specific tool.
The Dark Web is a digital space that is not listed on ordinary search engines and requires certain software to access it. By using TOR, users can browse sites on the Dark Web without leaving an easy-to-trace trace. These sites usually have addresses that end in “.onion,” indicating that they can only be accessed through the TOR network.
On the Dark Web, a variety of activities are common, including:
- Illegal Trade: Many sites on the Dark Web are involved in the trade of illegal goods, such as drugs, weapons, and stolen personal data.
- Hidden Forums: Many forums discuss sensitive or illegal topics, where users can share information without fear of detection.
- Full Anonymity: Users on the Dark Web often seek anonymity to carry out activities that may not be legal or considered taboo in society.
The use of the Dark Web is not only risky for individuals, but it can also threaten overall cybersecurity. Engaging in illegal activities or interacting with people with malicious intent can lead to major legal and personal problems. Therefore, while access to the Dark Web looks easy, it’s important to think about the possible consequences before doing so.
Difference Between Surface Web, Deep Web, and Dark Web
Here is a table that compares the differences between the Surface Web, Deep Web, and Dark Web:
| Category | Definition | Example | Accessibility |
| Surface Web | A part of the web that can be accessed openly through search engines. | Common websites like Google, Facebook, YouTube, etc. | It can be accessed by anyone using a regular browser without restrictions. |
| Deep Web | The part of the web that is not indexed by search engines usually involves personal data or databases that are not open to the public. | Personal emails, academic databases, online banking platforms, etc. | Requires special credentials (login) to access, undetectable by general search engines. |
| Dark Web | A subsection of the Deep Web that is hidden by using specialized software such as Tor. | A .onion website that can only be accessed through Tor. | Only accessible with anonymous browsers like Tor; often used for illegal activities. |
Security and Ethics in Internet Use
Digital awareness is essential in this increasingly connected era. Understanding the difference between exploration and breaking the law is key to using the internet wisely. Users should be aware that the Internet provides access to a wide range of information and services, both legal and illegal.
Therefore, it is important to clearly understand what is and cannot be done ethically in cyberspace. With more and more content available, awareness of legal and moral risks can help users make better decisions when surfing the internet.
Staying safe while surfing the internet is essential. Here are some tips to protect your identity:
- Use Strong Passwords: Make sure your passwords are made up of a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Use a different password for each account.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an extra layer of security by requiring verification of your identity through another device.
- Be Careful with Personal Information: Do not share personal information such as home addresses, phone numbers, or financial information on public platforms.
- Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help hide your IP address and encrypt your data while surfing the internet.
- Update Software Regularly: Make sure that all software, including operating systems and applications, is updated to protect against security vulnerabilities.