“The Bad Kids”: The Abyss of Evil

  Cyberspace is the shared spiritual home of hundreds of millions of internet users, and a clean, secure online environment directly affects the vital interests of every citizen. Beyond the everyday internet we use, there lies a shadowy underworld largely unknown to the general public. This mysterious realm, often referred to as the “cyber black hole,” is being exploited by foreign intelligence agencies and criminal elements, turning it into a hotbed for illegal activities and a grave threat to the rights and interests of the people. Today, let us together strip away the veil of invisibility that shrouds the dark web, recognize the dangers it poses, and fortify our defenses.

   Peeling back the “cloak of invisibility” of the dark web

  Some internet users may misunderstand the dark web, equating it with the “deep web” or even mistakenly believing it to be a free‑wheeling space where one can indulge in curiosity and conceal their identity. In reality, the dark web refers to a hidden portion of the internet that has been specially encrypted; it cannot be accessed directly through ordinary browsers or search engines and requires specialized software or specific configurations to reach. Its URLs typically end in “.onion.” Relying on encryption and anonymous routing, the dark web masks users’ identities, locations, and online activities, giving the illusion of anonymity. However, it has become a cover for criminals to evade oversight and commit illegal acts. Operating outside the scope of standard internet regulation and lacking legitimate content moderation and governance, the dark web has, from its very inception, provided fertile ground for various unlawful activities. These threats are then borne by ordinary citizens, undermining public safety and well‑being, and posing a serious risk to both individual rights and the public interest.

  — The “bazaar” of personal data: The dark web serves as the primary conduit for the illicit trade of citizens’ personal information. Privileged data such as ID numbers, mobile phone numbers, and home addresses are stolen through hacking and other means, then resold in bulk at low prices on the dark web, directly compromising individuals’ privacy and financial security.

  — A “breeding ground” for harmful information: The dark web is rife with illegal and deleterious content, including violence and gore, online gambling, and subversive propaganda. Foreign intelligence agencies exploit the dark web’s anonymity to mislead public perception, disrupt social order, and jeopardize national security by distorting facts, inciting division, and sowing fear.

  — The “underground passage” for illicit goods: The dark web facilitates the illegal trade of narcotics, restricted weapons, eavesdropping and surveillance devices, and other prohibited items. Though such unlawful transactions may seem distant from everyday life, they in fact undermine social order and expose the public to latent risks.

   The legal red line must not be crossed.

  Some may mistakenly believe that the dark web is “anonymous and untraceable,” allowing them to evade legal accountability—this is an extremely dangerous misconception. Accessing the dark web typically relies on illicit cross-border channels and unauthorized tools, both of which are themselves illegal; engaging in unlawful activities on the dark web further constitutes criminal conduct. China consistently upholds the principle that national security is for the people, and we resolutely crack down on all forms of cybercrime. The dark web is by no means a lawless haven; anyone who crosses the legal red line will inevitably pay a heavy price.

  In accordance with the Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China, the Cybersecurity Law of the People’s Republic of China, the Personal Information Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China, and other relevant laws and regulations, engaging in activities such as infringing upon citizens’ personal information, illegally trading prohibited items, disseminating unlawful content, committing online fraud, or launching cyberattacks via the dark web all constitute criminal offenses. Even when perpetrators employ encryption technologies to evade detection, the competent authorities remain capable of tracing and identifying them; the law is both comprehensive and unwavering, ensuring that wrongdoers ultimately cannot escape severe legal punishment.

   The “Four Nos” Principle of Personal Protection

  Boycotting the dark web and staying away from it is not only a legal requirement but also an essential step to protect ourselves, our families, and the safety of our society. Let us join forces to resist the shadowy corners of cyberspace and build a secure, civilized, and well‑ordered online environment.

  — Do not access. Do not indulge in curiosity, download anything, or use any illegal tools for circumventing internet censorship, anonymous access, or dark‑web browsing; do not click on unknown overseas links, and do not join suspicious private groups.

  — Do not disclose personal information. Avoid oversharing detailed personal data on social media, especially sensitive information such as your ID number, bank account numbers, workplace, and job title.

  — No trading. Do not engage in any data transactions, nor purchase data‑query services of unknown origin.

  — Do not be easily swayed. Obtain information through official channels, refrain from believing or spreading rumors, and consciously safeguard a clean and secure cyberspace and national security.

  Members of the public who discover leads related to illegal and criminal activities on the dark web, cyberattacks, or other acts that endanger national security may report such information via the 12339 hotline for reporting to national security authorities, the online reporting platform (www.12339.gov.cn), the Ministry of National Security’s official WeChat account, or by directly contacting their local national security agency.

[Editor-in-charge: Hu Rong]

Source: National Security Ministry WeChat Official Account