The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and cannot be accessed using traditional search engines like Google, Bing, or Yahoo. It forms a small portion of the deep web, which includes all web pages that are not indexed by search engines. The dark web is intentionally hidden and often requires specific software, such as the Tor browser, to access it.

The key characteristics of the dark web are:

1. Anonymity: The dark web provides a high level of anonymity to its users, making it challenging for authorities to trace their online activities. This anonymity is achieved through the use of special encryption and routing techniques like the Tor network.
2. Hidden Services: Websites on the dark web use .onion domains and are known as "hidden services." These sites cannot be accessed through regular browsers but can be reached using Tor.
3. Illicit Activities: While not all content on the dark web is illegal, it has gained a reputation for hosting illegal activities and black market operations. These activities may include the sale of drugs, weapons, stolen data, hacking services, and various other illegal goods and services.
4. Privacy Concerns: The dark web attracts users seeking privacy and anonymity, including journalists, activists, and whistleblowers in oppressive regimes, who use it to communicate and share information without fear of surveillance or censorship.