In our day-to-day lives, most of us use the internet in pretty common ways: social media, writing, banking, shopping, and so on. However, the internet is far more than what we can access using Google, Bing, Chrome, or Edge. One of the layers lurking below is the elusive shadow web.
So, what is exactly is the shadow web?
What Is the Shadow Web?
Many people use the ocean as an analogy for the layers of the web.
At the surface is, you guessed it, the surface web. This is what most people regularly use for things like shopping, paying bills, or watching YouTube. After this comes the deep web, and then the dark web (basically a subset of the deep web).
The Shadow Web is allegedly the next step further from the dark web.
There are lots of different reports on what the shadow web actually is. Some claim it is protected by a paywall, only accessible through the dark web (which also requires the non-traditional Tor browser to access). And, as you may have guessed, the shadow web is rumored to be a lot more dubious and sinister than any of the layers above.
So, what can you find on the shadow web? Well, it's not pretty. Those who claim to have accessed the shadow web state that you can find all manner of disturbing content. It would seem that, with each layer of the web, things just get darker.
Though this may all sound pretty scary, the existence of the dark web has not actually been proven. Given that such a small fraction of the general population are familiar with the dark web, it makes sense that an even smaller fraction would have accessed it if there was a shadow web. Some go so far as claiming that the shadow web is nothing more than a rumor and that the dark web is as deep as it gets.
Others have claimed that the shadow web is essentially just a scam site within the dark web, which promises access to different rooms or "Red Rooms" (dubious online spaces, often hosting illegal activities) in exchange for cryptocurrency. There is even an alleged Shadow Web Portal, which gives users access to the shadow web—if they pay a fee of $200 first. Go figure.
So, essentially, there is no concrete understanding of what the shadow web is or if it's even real.
What Is the Mariana's Web?
Some claim that the dark web is just the beginning of how deep the internet can go and that several layers extend beyond. Some also say that the deepest known layer of the internet is a space called the "Mariana's Web" (relating to the Mariana Trench, the deepest point on Earth), while others claim the shadow and Mariana's web are the same.
So, what is the Mariana's web? Well, some say it's simply a myth made up by online trolls. However, those who claim that the Mariana's web is real also state that it contains content and sites that can't be found anywhere else on the internet. In a more conspiratorial sense, some have said that the Mariana's web is where governments hide highly confidential documents, such as those referring to Vatican secrets. But this, of course, is yet to be proven.
Deep and dark web enthusiasts claim that the Mariana's web is virtually inaccessible, and therefore highly elusive. This is allegedly because a complicated algorithm is required to access the Mariana's web, and a quantum computer is required for this.
Many rumors surround the so-called Mariana's web, including hilarious ones that claim it is run by a complex AI system that has gained sentience. Pretty sci-fi! However, for now, the existence of the Mariana's web is still nothing more than a topic of discussion and, in all honesty, is just another dark web boogyman to keep people wondering.
How Safe Are These Deep Layers of The Web?
It might be tempting for some to give these deeper layers of the internet a try and see what kind of content it offers. But just how dangerous is the dark web or the shadow web? Well, that depends on what layer you're looking to access.
Much of the deep web (the next layer down from the surface web) is totally safe, as it is just the unindexed bits of the internet, such as banking portals and academic journals.
However, once you access the dark web, it's important to be mindful of the content you attempt to view, as it can be easy for hackers to gain access to your sensitive information if you click on anything without thinking twice.
In fact, if someone were to access your sensitive data via phishing, spyware, or otherwise, it's pretty standard for them to take this data to the dark web to find a buyer. The buyer could then do what they wish with your information, which, of course, is a little scary.
However, it's important to remember that the dark web isn't illegal, but illegal activity does take place on them. So, if you educate yourself, and stay aware of the risks, accessing these layers of the internet should be safe. Furthermore, accessing the dark web requires the use of strong encryption, which may also be illegal depending on your jurisdiction.
As for the shadow and Mariana's web, there's really no telling how safe they are, given that their existence is still up for debate. But we suggest staying alert and making informed decisions before journeying into the dark web. After all, people get scammed all the time on the surface web, let alone on shadowy underground forums.
There's Really No Telling Just How Deep The Web Goes
While we can all speculate and do our internet research, it's difficult to determine how many "layers" the internet actually has, given how unimaginably huge it is. Even most dark web enthusiasts aren't exactly sure how deep it goes, which is scary and intriguing.