Guns on the Dark Web: A Growing Concern

This paper argues that technological innovations such as encryption, cryptocurrencies and browsing are key factors that influence the change and transition of drug markets into the digital world. Having to grant an access to a catalog of illicit substances, option to order online whist having the product delivered to your door and all of this anonymously has attract a wide range of audience in recent years. The newly developed and ongoing dark web drug markets has greatly influenced both the decision of the buyer as well as the seller to replace the old market structure with a more secure and innovative one. In all, some 52 individual vendors were discovered by the researchers, selling weapons and accessories like ammunition, explosives and silencers.

Discover Content

Anyone with an internet connectionWhistleblowers, journalists, etc.Hackers, sellers & buyers of illegal merchandiseCan be browsed anonymously? No, nearly all activity can be seen by your ISP.Usually, especially if you use a VPN to access.With precautions, yes. But researchers at European think tank RAND Europe, who will be discussing their findings at the Festival of Ideas next week, discovered they could access dark web markets selling guns and illegal drugs in a matter of minutes. As such, the digital goods section of many marketplaces includes Adobe PDF files guides, lifetime website memberships and subscriptions, and digitized programming books with little to no value to a sophisticated nation state cyber actor.

• Most people assume that the dark web is a mysterious place, only accessible by the tech savvy crowd or master criminals.
• The black market refers to weapons, including long-range guns, pistols, ammunition, explosives, and hard weapons.
• Furthermore, the platform is quite rich in products as over 40 products are listed, closely categorized in categories such as Revolvers, shotguns, Ammo, rifles, Pistols, optics, and much more.
• The dark web has a notorious reputation for facilitating the sale of illegal goods, including firearms.
• Tor, along with its competitor Java Anon Proxy, is heralded by users as more robust than fingerprinting procedures on websites in relation to alternative tunneling protocols and much more.

The study found 811 product listings on 18 different dark web marketplaces. Governments have been slow to realise the potential of cryptocurrency for its misuse of terrorism on the darknet. Bitcoin has become the prominent currency of the ‘dark web’ to purchase illegal goods online, such as weapons and drugs. The crossroads of the dark web and Bitcoin, popularised by organised crime, perhaps poses the most significant threat. Much like organised criminals, terrorist organisations could use Bitcoin to purchase a range of weaponry, including firearms or bomb-making materials, on the dark web.

Savage Arms

The dark web, a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and inaccessible through standard web browsers, has become a hotbed for illegal activity. One of the most concerning aspects of this underground marketplace is the ease with which individuals can purchase firearms.

But what the father-of-two thought were legitimate dark net market sellers were in fact investigators from US Homeland Security, who then passed on the evidence to the NCA. Police forces across the country have warned of the availability of weapons on dark deep web entrar net markets. A Glock pistol and 200 rounds of ammunition was destined for delivery to his home before American homeland security agents discovered the weapon. Britain does not rank on the Small Arms Survey top 25 ranked countries and territories.

Focia used the dark web to sell firearms to people in other states and countries. “The ability to not only arm criminals and terrorists, who can make virtually anonymous purchases, but also vulnerable and fixated individuals is perhaps the most dangerous aspect.” While the trade was unlikely to fuel large-scale terrorist operations, it had the potential access darknet on android to become the platform of choice for “lone-wolf” terrorists to obtain weapons and ammunition, the report said. Often, it’s hard for law enforcement to close down these sites because technology hides them. Users access dark markets by first downloading and installing a browser called Tor, which masks their identities, allowing users to search in secret.

The Availability of Guns on the Dark Web

Protect Yourself While Purchasing On Darknet

A simple search on the dark web will yield numerous results for firearms of all types, from handguns to assault rifles. These weapons are often sold by unlicensed dealers, making it difficult for law enforcement to track them down. In many cases, these guns are sold without any background checks or registration requirements, making it easy for criminals to obtain them.

The Dangers of Guns on the Dark Web

The availability of guns on the dark web poses a significant threat to public safety. Criminals can easily obtain firearms and use them to commit violent crimes, including homicides and mass shootings. In addition, the lack of regulation and oversight on the dark web makes it easy for terrorists and other extremist groups to acquire weapons, posing a threat to national security.

The Role of Law Enforcement

Law enforcement agencies around the world are working to combat the illegal sale of firearms on the dark web. However, the anonymous nature of the dark web makes it difficult to track down and prosecute those responsible. In addition, the global nature of the dark web means that law enforcement agencies must work together across borders to address the problem.

What Can Be Done

To combat the illegal sale of firearms on the dark web, law enforcement agencies must continue to work together to share information and resources. In addition, there must be stronger regulations and oversight of the dark web to make it more difficult for criminals to operate. Finally, it is important for the public to be aware of the dangers of the dark web and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

In conclusion, the availability of guns on the dark web is a growing concern that poses a significant threat to public getting on the dark web safety. Law enforcement agencies must work together to combat this illegal activity and keep our communities safe.