A dark net or darknet is an overlay network within the Internet that can only be accessed with specific software, configurations, or authorization, [1] and often uses a unique customized communication protocol . Two typical darknet types are social networks [2] (usually used for file hosting with a peer-to-peer connection), [3] and anonymity proxy networks such as Tor via an anonymized series of connections. [4] The term "darknet" was popularized by major news outlets to associate with Tor Onion services , when the infamous drug bazaar Silk Road used it, [5] despite the terminology being unofficial. Technology such as Tor , I2P , and Freenet was intended to defend digital rights by providing security, anonymity, or censorship resistance and is used for both illegal and legitimate reasons. Anonymous communication between whistle-blowers , activists, journalists and news organisations is also facilitated by darknets through use of applications suc