Dark Web Statistics By Country, Demographics, Types Of Content Sold and Facts

Introduction

Dark Web Statistics: Today, the internet consists of three parts: the surface web, the deep web, and the dark web. The dark web is the hidden part of the internet. Users can not access it normally by surfing the internet. The dark Web consists of illegal selling activities such as credit card numbers, bank login details, weapons, hacked social media accounts, weapons, drugs, and much more.

Although for some people, it is interesting to check out such things on the dark web, it should be avoided to go to such places on the internet. Through these recent Dark Web Statistics, let’s understand in detail what the dark web means.

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• About 6.7% of Tor users engage in illegal activities. This rate is higher in “free” countries at 7.8% compared to “not free” regimes at 4.8%.
• Approximately 58.8% of Tor users have postgraduate degrees, showing a highly educated user community.
• About 84.7% of dark web users are male, while females make up 9.4%. The most common age group is 26-35 years old, at 58.8%.
• In Q3 of 2023, Tor was downloaded 5.92 million times and had an average of 4.61 million daily users. Germany and the U.S. show significant usage rates.
• Roughly 500,000 users regularly visit dark web marketplaces. More than 37% of purchases on these marketplaces could lead to further criminal activities.
• A significant breach involved AT&T Inc., where customer data of 73 million current and former customers was leaked.
• There was a USD 176 million increase in ransomware cryptocurrency-related crimes on the dark web from 2022 to 2023.
• The dark web represents 5% of the internet, whereas the deep web covers 99%.
• In April 2023, a credit card with a USD 5,000 balance was available for USD 110.
• The dark web intelligence market is projected to generate USD 91.1 million in revenue in 2024 and grow to USD 2,921.8 million by 2032.
• Blacksprut is the largest marketplace on the dark web, holding 28% of the market share.

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General Dark Web Statistics

• According to Dark Web Statistics, there are around 3,000 hidden websites, and 60% of those have some kind of illegal activity. 
• 60% of the sellers on the darknet offer sales on stolen financial credentials.
• More than 37% of purchases made on the dark web are likely to further lead to criminal activities.
• Around the world, 96% of cybercriminals use the encrypted messaging app Telegram to perform illegal activities. 
• It is estimated that the dark web consists of more than 30,000 websites, which are equal to 0.03% of the entire content on the internet. 
• In comparison with the entire internet, 6% of it is represented by the dark web.
• 48% of the Dark Web data is related to illegal activities.
• Approximately $1 trillion is the estimated revenue from dark web accounts.
• There are approximately 5,00,000 users who regularly visit the marketplaces on the Dark Web. 
• 70% of the people around the world are unaware of the functioning of the Dark Web. 
• The dark web accounts for 5% of the internet, while the deep web accounts for 99%. 
• According to a report by Bloomberg, AT&T Inc.’s customer data, which included 73 million current and former customers, was leaked on the dark web. 
• Based on research findings by The University of Surrey, 57% of the listings on the dark web can harm businesses.
• As of 2023, the total daily number of Tor users was 4.61 million.
• As of 2024, Amazon, eBay, and AliExpress recorded nearly 5,000 mentions of the deep web collectively.
• For doing dark web transactions, 98% of the time, Bitcoin is used.

2023 Darknet Prices for Illegal Digital Products

According to Statista, the following digital products are being sold, with their average price in US dollars.

(Source: statista.com)

The Highest Mean Daily Number of Tor Users By Country

According to Statista, the following are the highest mean daily numbers of Tor network users with direct connections between June and September 2023.

(Source: statista.com)

Countries With the Most Indirect Tor Browser Connections

According to Statista, the following are the Most Indirect Tor Browser Connections in 2023

(Source: statista.com)

Statistics By Types Of Content Sold On Dark Web

• 3% of the websites are associated with financial fraud activities.
• According to the report by Prey Project 2024, a credit card worth $5000 balance was available for $110 as of April 2023.
• Compared to 2022, 2023 experienced a $176 million increase in ransomware cryptocurrency-based crimes on the dark web. 
• Furthermore, 1,000 threat installs that include DDoS and malware attacks are sold for $1,800 on the dark web. 
• 29% of the websites on the dark web consist of explicit content.
• As of April 2023, the most profitable types of digital products sold on the dark web are e-wallets, online banking credentials, and Crypto accounts.
• In 2023, a forged Maltese passport was available for purchase at $4,000.
• Furthermore, top-quality malware was being sold on the platform for $4,500 in Q1 of 2023.
• A report by Privacy Affairs states that a digital passport, along with personal details, is likely to cost up to $70. 
• Based on research findings by CybelAngel, 45% of the medical data on the dark web has information on US patients. 

By Types Of Content Found On Dark Web

The dark web is the most diverse platform for selling illegal digital products. Based on a report by Intelliagg, the following types are found on the Dark Web.

(Source: usecure.io)

Dark Web Statistics By Demographics

• Most of the users belong to the age group of 36 to 45 years, representing 23.5%. Moreover, 11.8% of the users are between 18 and 25 years old, and 5.9% of users are between 46 and 55 years old.
• Dark Web Statistics by demographics state that 84.7% of the individuals on the dark web are male users, whereas 9.4% are females.

Dark Web Intelligence Market Revenue

(Reference: statista.com)

According to Statista, the dark web intelligence market is estimated to generate $91.1 million as of 2024. It will experience significant growth over the next seven years, reaching $2,921.8 million by 2032.

Dark Web Statistics By Largest Marketplaces

(Reference: moneyzine.com)

As per MoneyZine, Blacksprut is the largest marketplace on the platform, with 28% of the market share. Mega Darknet Market and OMG! OMG! The market has 22% and 17% of the market share, respectively.

Unveiling The Dark Web: A Beginner’s Guide

The internet is a vast and ever-evolving landscape. But beneath the surface of familiar websites lies a hidden world known as the dark web. This shrouded corner of the internet can be both fascinating and dangerous, and understanding its workings is crucial in today’s digital age.

What Is The Dark Web?

Imagine the internet as an iceberg. The surface you see with search engines like Google is the “clearnet,” but a much larger portion lurks beneath the water – the deep web. This deep web encompasses everything not indexed by search engines, including private databases, paywalled content, and, yes, the dark web.

The dark web itself is a smaller part of the deep web. It consists of websites specifically designed to be anonymous and only accessible through special software like Tor. These websites use complex addresses ending in “.onion” instead of familiar “.com” endings.

How Does The Dark Web Work?

Think of Tor as a secret tunnel network. When you access a website on the clearnet, your information travels directly from your computer to the website’s server. On the dark web, Tor encrypts your data and bounces it through multiple servers around the world before reaching the destination website. This makes it extremely difficult to track your activity or identify your location.

Why Is The Dark Web Dangerous?

Anonymity, while having its benefits, can also attract criminal activity. The dark web has gained a reputation as a marketplace for illegal goods and services. Here’s a glimpse of the dangers:

• Black Markets: Illegal drugs, weapons, stolen data (credit cards, identities), and even endangered wildlife can be found on dark web marketplaces. These transactions often use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, making them difficult to trace.
• Malware and Hacking: The dark web can be a breeding ground for malware – malicious software designed to steal your information, damage your computer, or spy on your activity. Hacking services are also sometimes offered, posing a threat to businesses and individuals.
• Scams and Fraud: Just like the clearnet, the dark web is not immune to scams. Fake vendors and phishing attempts can trick you into revealing personal information or sending money.

Ethical Uses Of The Dark Web

Despite its negative reputation, the dark web has legitimate uses too. Here are some examples:

• Free Speech and Privacy: For people living in countries with repressive governments, the dark web offers a platform for free speech and anonymous communication. Journalists and activists can use it to share information and avoid censorship.
• Whistleblowing: If someone has evidence of wrongdoing within an organization, the dark web can provide a safe space to leak information anonymously to journalists or authorities.
• Bypassing Censorship: People in countries with restricted internet access can use the dark web to access information and websites that their governments might block.

How Can AI Fight Crime On The Dark Web?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful tool in the fight against dark web crime. Here’s how:

• Identifying Suspicious Activity: AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of dark web data to identify patterns and anomalies that might indicate criminal activity. This can help law enforcement agencies focus their investigations.
• Tracking Illegal Content: AI can be trained to recognize illegal items like drugs or weapons advertised on dark web marketplaces. This allows authorities to take down these marketplaces more efficiently.
• Predicting Criminal Behavior: By analyzing user activity and communication patterns, AI could potentially predict future criminal activity on the dark web, allowing preventive measures to be taken.

Future Trends Of The Dark Web (2024 And Beyond)

The dark web is constantly evolving, and experts predict some interesting trends for the future:

• Rise of AI-powered Attacks and Counter-attacks: As AI becomes more sophisticated, criminals might develop AI-powered tools to create more sophisticated malware and evade detection. Law enforcement will likely counter with their own AI tools to stay ahead.
• Stronger Encryption: Tor’s anonymity is crucial for the dark web’s operations. We might see advancements in encryption techniques, making it even harder for law enforcement to track activity.
• Focus on Decentralization: Dark web marketplaces are often shut down by authorities. To counter this, criminals might shift towards decentralized platforms, making them harder to take down.

Exploring The Dark Web Safely (Not Recommended)

It’s important to understand the risks before venturing into the dark web. Unless you have a specific, legitimate reason and a strong understanding of online security, it’s generally not recommended. Here’s why:

• Malware and Scams: The chances of encountering malware or scams on the dark web are significantly higher than on the clearnet. Even a single click can compromise your computer’s security.
• Law Enforcement Monitoring: While law enforcement agencies struggle to track activity completely, they do monitor the dark web for illegal activity. Entering the dark web for illegal purposes could put you at risk of getting caught.

Conclusion

The dark web is a complex and fascinating world, but it’s crucial to approach it with caution. By understanding its workings, the dangers it poses, and the potential for good, we can navigate the digital landscape more safely and responsibly. Remember, the clearnet offers a wealth of information and resources – for most needs, there’s no reason to venture into the dark corners of the internet.

If you suspect illegal activity happening on the dark web, you can report it to the authorities. Most countries have dedicated cybercrime units that handle such reports.

Ketaki Joshi

Ketaki Joshi is a professional medical writer with extensive experience in scientific research on illness, health, and healthcare. Her work includes creating feature articles for newsletters and websites, as well as research news stories for doctors and researchers. With a lifelong passion for reading, Ketaki transitioned from a career at a French multinational company to pursue writing professionally. Her dedication to the craft has culminated in the recent release of her first Amazon-published short story, "The Envelope That Changed Our Lives."

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