The dark web, a term that has grown in recent years as people have become more familiar with the Internet, is basically what everyone else on the Internet calls the "underground" web. While most websites are accessible through the regular Internet, many web pages are protected and their content is available only through specific websites or servers that offer this content. These web pages include chat rooms, Webber pages, personal pages, online journals, file sharing networks, and even web applications. Many people have used the dark web for illegal activities, such as distributing drugs and weapons, but the dark web also contains a wealth of information, which anyone with an Internet connection can read. It is possible to search for information on a person's name, find specific products and services, transfer money, and perform a variety of other activities.

Due to the recent upsurge in dark web sites investigation, many new programs and websites have been created to make it easier for law enforcement to identify criminals and take them off the street. In August of 2021, the FBI established a task force to develop a way to analyze the dark web and find hidden websites, which were then to be taken down or otherwise held accountable for the activities of users. At the time of establishment, the team consisted of five agents, but is growing at a steady rate, with several agents assigned to each task. New agents are being added at regular intervals, with most new recruits going through extensive training and background checks.

There have been a number of high-profile public arrests made as a result of people visiting the dark web, including Dasyour, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for selling weapons and illegal downloads. There have also been numerous raids and arrests made by federal agents taking suspects to the dark side. Two notable cases include the takedown of Silk Road 2.0, which was one of the largest online black markets ever, and the arrest of suspect Russell Williams, who is accused of running a large eBay fraud ring. Other arrests have been made as well, though the exact number is unknown.