[Mr Meeseeks]

I see lots of threads about something being on the deep web, but not the dark web, some threads are allowed while some aren't. Awhile back, I made a thread about helping people get set up with TOR and a VM, but that was not allowed, while someone can give away free onion domains.

I am just confused as to what the difference is between setting people up and giving away free access to TOR services, I feel like this rule needs to be clarified.

[Pulz]

The deep web is anything that can't be found on a normal web browser.
The dark web is a portion of the deep web, that has been intentionally hidden and is only viewable through modified web browsers.

In the rules:

Deepweb Discussion
Deepweb is a phrase to describe hidden websites on the internet that are often, but not always, directly related to illegal activity such as child porn, carding, hitmen, and other very illicit material. As such we're not going to allow it here. Not even the slightest discussion of the deepweb will be allowed.

[Omniscient]

It's two terms that describe the same thing. I don't think there is technically any difference.

[Pulz]

It's two terms that describe the same thing. I don't think there is technically any difference.

While the dark web is a 'part' of the deep web, it's pretty difficult to discuss one without mentioning the other. Especially with so many misconceptions about what either is used for.
Page caches, website previews, site databases, encrypted password bits and the like are all part of the deep web- but are not malicious. Where'as the dark web is just a subsidiary that is used for illegal purposes.
For every page that is available on the surface web, there is one in the deep web. Hence why it is so vast in comparison.

Perhaps the rule could be adjusted so that non-surface web discussion, in general, is prohibited? That way, people can't 'unintentionally' break it.
This infographic explains it relatively well. (Click to View)



tl;dr:
Deep web: The non-indexed parts of websites, that cannot be accessed without visiting the address directly. Usually not malicious
Dark web: Another subset of the deep web, again- not indexed and can't be accessed without authentication or specific proxying software. It often sits on top of sub-networks, such as I2P, and Freenet, Tor, and is usually associated with criminal activity

[Tʏʟᴇʀ]

It's two terms that describe the same thing. I don't think there is technically any difference.

I agree. They both correlate at some point in the same way.

[Elitas]

Dark Web = TOR
Deep Web = Websites not indexed by Google which are usually used in illegal activity.

It seems Omni was referring to TOR but called it the deep web. I agree that this rule does need some more clarification as I have seen multiple users talking about TOR and claiming that it is not against the rules yet there is no quote from Omni stating that it is specifically allowed on here.

[yotoprules]

I thought both were the same thing until now.

[Sam Winchester]

Discussion of the TOR proxy system is allowed. What's forbidden is discussion of the websites within it otherwise known as the deep web (or dark web, same thing).

[Vibe]

Discussion of the TOR proxy system is allowed. What's forbidden is discussion of the websites within it otherwise known as the deep web (or dark web, same thing).

What about the drug section tons of dumb people make references to markets are those post against hf rules?

[Sam Winchester]

What about the drug section tons of dumb people make references to markets are those post against hf rules?

Yes. You can report such posts as DBA.

[masterpill]

It's the same thing mate!

[DarkHF]

same thing no difference.

[Elitas]

It's the same thing mate!

same thing no difference.

No, it's really not. They sound similar but there is a definite difference as pointed out above.

[Mαxim]

No, it's really not. They sound similar but there is a definite difference as pointed out above.

Actually, it depends on what you believe in. For me, they have the same meaning.

Those who believe in the difference are those who believe in the myth of the 4-5 layers of the deepweb.

[Elitas]

Actually, it depends on what you believe in. For me, they have the same meaning.

Those who believe in the difference are those who believe in the myth of the 4-5 layers of the deepweb.

Noooo you're thinking of Mariana's web. Not what I am referencing!

The deep web are websites which are not indexed on google and require usually a complex and hidden link to visit, they are usually associated with extremely illegal activity.

TOR websites are included within the deep web as they are not indexed, but I like to call this the dark web.

Hence why the deep web are now referring to websites on the clearnet which are not indexed by a search engine (as mentioned above) and are generally a little hidden.

Dark Net = TOR.