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!
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.
The ethical responsibilities of journalists covering the dark web are significant, as they must navigate the complexities of alerting law enforcement while protecting potential targets.
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.
Conspiracy Theories and Urban Legends
Popular myths about the dark web, like the existence of 'red rooms' where live torture takes place, frequently circulate but lack substantial evidence. While the concept captures the imagination, many purported red rooms turn out to be elaborate scams aimed at siphoning bitcoin from unwitting individuals. Such panic and sensationalism often distort the real dangers present on the dark web, which are frequently rooted in more mundane scams or illegal activities. The episode illustrates how these stories tap into broader societal fears, particularly regarding youth culture and internet safety.
The Dynamics of Assassination Markets
The episode delves into the notion of assassination markets on the dark web, suggesting that while some individuals may express interest in hiring hitmen, the reality is often fraught with scams. Analysis reveals that many assassination offers are advertised as genuine services but end up being hoaxes aimed at extracting money from users. The prices for purported hits range drastically, with some claims as low as £400, often leading to users being manipulated for additional funds in a cycle of deception. Ultimately, genuine evidence for organized contract killings tied to these markets remains scant, pointing instead to a landscape dominated by scams and amateurs.
The Role of Ethical Journalism
As the conversation progresses, the ethical responsibilities of journalists covering the dark web become apparent, especially when faced with urgent threats to individuals identified in intercepted communications. Efforts to alert law enforcement about potential assassination targets often met with bureaucratic hurdles, forcing journalists to creatively seek assistance directly from the individuals at risk. This delicate and dangerous interaction emphasizes the complicated nature of being an investigator in this domain, particularly regarding the safety of those involved. The discussion underscores the ethical imperative to act responsibly when handling sensitive information involving potential harm to individuals.
Reality vs. Perception of Dark Web Crimes
The podcast also critically examines how real violent crime does occur online but often in less sensationalized forms than the myths suggest. While the potential for harm exists, instances of actual contract killings ordered via dark web markets are rare and often misrepresented in the media. Notably, scams populate these markets, leading to the belief that organized crime operates critical hitman networks when in reality, these are largely fraudulent operations. Listeners are encouraged to discern between sensational narratives and actual data, reflecting the complexities of crime in the digital age.
Right now, you might be thinking someone, somewhere, is on the internet doing something for money that’s really awful. That’s probably true, and has been in the past. Although, plenty of times it’s not — take Bonsai Kittens — but what about Red Rooms, where you can supposedly pay for assassinations or watch live torture? Today journalist Carl Miller joins us to talk about the dark web. What’s actually on there, how people use it, and how much should we be panicking about it?
Our guest Carl Miller is the author of The Death of the Gods: The New Global Power Grab, a journalist, and host of the podcast Kill List (https://wondery.com/shows/kill-list/).
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