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Panic World

Can you order a hitman online? (With Carl Miller)

Mar 12, 2025
Carl Miller, a journalist and author of *The Death of the Gods*, joins the conversation to unravel the mysteries of the dark web. He discusses the myths surrounding 'red rooms' and the reality of online assassinations. Surprisingly, many hitman services are scams rather than genuine threats. Miller also dives into the odd juxtaposition of customer service in illicit operations and the evolution of cybercrime. Laughably absurd, he reveals both the incompetence of supposed hitmen and the ethical dilemmas faced by anyone aware of threats. It's a wild ride into the underbelly of the internet!
01:00:00

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The dark web, accessed via Tor, often attracts users seeking illegal goods, but much of its traffic involves scams and myths rather than serious crime.
  • Popular myths about red rooms and assassination markets heavily circulate online; however, these often turn out to be elaborate scams aimed at defrauding users.

Deep dives

Understanding the Dark Web

The dark web is accessed using specialized software like Tor, enabling users to reach encrypted websites characterized by the .onion domain. This hidden layer of the internet allows for anonymity, attracting various users, including those seeking illegal goods and services. Despite the stigma surrounding it, much of the traffic is not related to serious crime; rather, it often involves scams and urban legends. The discussion highlights how fear and misinformation about the dark web often overshadow the reality of its actual use.

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