"The most common threat that the dark web poses for a disinformation point of view, however, is ...the fact that many marketplaces on the dark web host tools which can be used for disinformation. Manufacturing it, spreading it, monitoring it, so on and so forth."

On this episode, host Paul Brandus explores the hidden parts of the Internet known as the deep web and the dark web. The deep web refers to the unindexed parts of the Internet, such as databases and private networks, while the dark web is a subset of the deep web that requires specific software and authorization to access. The dark web provides anonymity and heavy encryption, making it attractive for those seeking to manufacture and distribute false information, or disinformation. The dark web has been used to spread conspiracy theories and false information during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the sale of fake vaccines and forged health certificates. It also facilitates criminal scams, such as pump and dump schemes and ransomware attacks. Tune in to learn about the involvement of state actors like Russia and China in spreading disinformation on the dark web, as well as the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating these activities.

[00:04:20] Dark web and disinformation.

[00:11:28] Russian and Chinese dark web activities.

[00:15:55] Policing the dark web.

[00:20:18] The dark web and ransomware attacks.

Got questions, comments or ideas or an example of disinformation you'd like us to check out? Send them to [email protected]. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Special thanks to our guest Neil Thompson, our sound designer and editor Noah Foutz, audio engineer Nathan Corson, and executive producers Michael DeAloia and Gerardo Orlando. Thanks so much for listening.