The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and requires specific software like Tor to access. It is intentionally designed to provide anonymity to users and hosts. On the dark web, users can access websites and services that are not publicly available on the surface web. While it is not inherently illegal, the dark web is often associated with illicit activities, such as black markets, hacking forums, and illegal services, due to the high degree of anonymity it offers. Law enforcement agencies monitor the dark web to combat criminal activities, but it remains a complex and controversial part of the internet.