The Darknet Explained
The darknet is a part of the internet that requires special software to access. Unlike the regular internet, darknet sites are not indexed by standard search engines and cannot be opened in regular browsers. The most widely used darknet is the Tor network, which uses onion routing to anonymise traffic by routing it through multiple encrypted relays.
The Tor Network
Tor stands for The Onion Router. It was originally developed by the United States Naval Research Laboratory and is now maintained by the non-profit Tor Project. The Tor network routes internet traffic through a series of volunteer-operated relays, each of which knows only the previous and next hop — making it extremely difficult to trace traffic back to its origin. To start using Tor, see our Tor Browser installation guide.
Onion Services
Onion services (formerly called hidden services) are websites accessible only through the Tor network. They use .onion addresses — cryptographic identifiers derived from the site's public key. v3 onion addresses are 56 characters long and provide stronger security than the older v2 format. Darknet markets including Mars Market, Nexus Market and Torzon Market operate as onion services.
Darknet Markets in 2026
Darknet markets are online marketplaces operating as onion services. They typically implement multiple security features including PGP two-factor authentication, Monero cryptocurrency payments and escrow systems to protect buyers. Mirror addresses provide redundancy — if one address is down due to DDoS attacks, alternatives remain accessible. See our directory of verified darknet markets for current active markets and their onion addresses.
How Darknet Markets Differ from Surface Web Markets
Darknet markets implement privacy-by-design principles that surface web platforms do not. PGP 2FA means account access requires a physical cryptographic key, not just a password. Monero payments are untraceable at the protocol level. Onion services provide end-to-end encryption by design without requiring SSL certificates. All of these features serve to protect user anonymity. For a full security overview, see our darknet security guide.
Legal and Safety Considerations
Laws regarding darknet access vary by jurisdiction. This research archive covers darknet market technology, security practices and operational security for educational and research purposes. Users are responsible for understanding and complying with the laws applicable in their jurisdiction. Common questions are answered in our darknet markets FAQ.