According to the Centre, paper leak on the darknet led to the cancellation of the UGC-NET exam.
About Darknet (or Dark Web)
- It is that part of the Internet which cannot be accessed through traditional search engines like Google nor is it accessible by normal browsers like Chrome or Safari.
- It generally uses non-standard communication protocols which make it inaccessible to internet service providers (ISPs) or government authorities.
- Content on DarkNet is encrypted and requires a specific browser such as TOR (The Onion Ring) browser to access those pages.
- It is a part of the Deep Web which includes sites that are protected by passwords (refer to the infographic).
- Part of the internet that is readily available to the general public and searchable on standard search engines is called as Surface Web.
- Applications: Used by:
- journalists and citizens working in oppressive regimes (to communicate without any government censorship),
- researchers and students to do research on sensitive topics,
- law enforcement agencies etc.
- Concerns: Due to anonymity it facilitates illicit activity, drug dealing, communication by terrorists, child pornography, etc.
