dark web
noun
variants
or less commonly Dark Web
: the set of web pages on the World Wide Web that cannot be indexed by search engines, are not viewable in a standard Web browser, require specific means (such as specialized software or network configuration) in order to access, and use encryption to provide anonymity and privacy for users
The dark web is only accessible by means of special software, allowing users and website operators to remain anonymous. Once used by political dissidents, the dark web has become the Internet's black market, where visitors can buy anything from guns to drugs and fake IDs or trade child pornography.—
Guillermo Contreras
compare deep web
Guillermo ContrerasExamples of dark web in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There are also parental control features, webcam protection, and even dark web monitoring that alerts you if your personal info shows up in a breach.
—PC Magazine, 28 July 2025
Belk is offering a 12-month credit monitoring service, which includes credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, identity restoration and up to $1 million identity theft insurance, according to the letter included with the lawsuits.
—Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2025
The data is often sold or shared in encrypted Telegram groups, invite-only forums, or dark web marketplaces with no clear timestamps.
—Dr. David Maimon, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
An identity theft protection service offers dark web monitoring, account alerts, and some offer up to $1 million in identity theft insurance.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 July 2025
Comprehensive protective intelligence including digital risk and threat monitoring to scan for and detect threats on social media and deep and dark web venues, as well as continual assessment of the threat landscape and the executive’s evolving profile.
—Control Risks, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Implement real-time credential leak monitoring and dark web scanning: Do not wait for a breach notification.
—Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Loser of the Week The longest-standing dark web drug market, Archetyp Market, is no more.
—Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Hackers are peddling the data of millions of AT&T users on a Russian dark web forum.
—Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 8 June 2025
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PC Magazine, 28 July 2025
Belk is offering a 12-month credit monitoring service, which includes credit monitoring, dark web monitoring, identity restoration and up to $1 million identity theft insurance, according to the letter included with the lawsuits.
—Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2025
The data is often sold or shared in encrypted Telegram groups, invite-only forums, or dark web marketplaces with no clear timestamps.
—Dr. David Maimon, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
An identity theft protection service offers dark web monitoring, account alerts, and some offer up to $1 million in identity theft insurance.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 16 July 2025
Comprehensive protective intelligence including digital risk and threat monitoring to scan for and detect threats on social media and deep and dark web venues, as well as continual assessment of the threat landscape and the executive’s evolving profile.
—Control Risks, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Implement real-time credential leak monitoring and dark web scanning: Do not wait for a breach notification.
—Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Loser of the Week The longest-standing dark web drug market, Archetyp Market, is no more.
—Thomas Brewster, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Hackers are peddling the data of millions of AT&T users on a Russian dark web forum.
—Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 8 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Dark web.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dark%20web. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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