By Syeda Sonia Imran (Syeda Sonia Munawar)
Do you know that the internet you use every day is only a small portion of the entire internet—around four percent? Yes! It is commonly referred to as the Surface Web or Light Web. After that comes the Deep Web, which is said to constitute the remaining 96% of the internet. It is described as being thousands of times larger and broader than the Surface Web that ordinary users access. It contains information and data related to individuals, organizations, governments, institutions, banking systems, medical records, academic information, and much more.
But the story does not end there. A portion of the Deep Web is commonly referred to as the Dark Web or Black Net. Claims about its size vary, and much of what is said about it online is difficult to verify. It has been associated with illegal activities such as drug trafficking, weapons sales, human trafficking, cybercrime and other criminal activities.
The Deep Web can be accessed through ordinary browsers when a person has the appropriate address, credentials or authorization. However, the Dark Web is designed to operate through special networks and services. One of the best-known technologies associated with it is the Tor Project, whose hidden services traditionally use the “.onion” domain. These websites are not indexed by ordinary search engines in the same way as normal websites.
There are many frightening stories circulating on the internet about so-called “Red Rooms,” where people allegedly pay money to watch or order acts of extreme violence. However, many of these stories remain unverified internet legends, scams, or exaggerated accounts. Similar claims have also been made about secret marketplaces where people allegedly pay in cryptocurrencies for criminal activities.
There have also been claims about websites offering contract killings in different parts of Europe, allegedly quoting different prices for ordinary people, journalists and celebrities. Such claims should always be treated with extreme caution unless supported by reliable investigative or law-enforcement evidence.
Another disturbing category associated with the hidden internet is revenge pornography. One infamous website, Pink Meth, was reported to have published intimate photographs of women without their consent, along with personal information. The website was eventually investigated and taken down. Such cases demonstrate how technology can be abused to harass, threaten and exploit innocent people.
There are also stories about violent games, cannibalism forums, disturbing recordings, and websites allegedly selling products made from human skin. Many such stories have circulated through blogs, forums and social media, but not every claim made about the Dark Web is genuine.
In simple terms, the internet is often described through three broad categories:
1. Surface Web
The Surface Web is the part of the internet that ordinary people use every day. Google, Facebook, Wikipedia, YouTube and countless other publicly accessible websites belong to this category. These websites are generally indexed by search engines, allowing users to find them through ordinary searches.
2. Deep Web
The Deep Web consists of content that is not indexed by ordinary search engines. This includes bank accounts, medical records, private databases, academic systems, corporate information and other protected services. Access usually requires a username, password, subscription, authorization or a direct link.
3. Dark Web
The Dark Web is a portion of the internet that operates through special networks and technologies. The term “Dark Web” is often associated with the Tor network. Websites operating as Tor hidden services traditionally use “.onion” addresses and cannot normally be accessed through standard web browsers.
The Dark Web has been associated with criminal marketplaces, drugs, weapons, stolen information, cybercrime, fraud, trafficking and other illegal activities. Criminals may use crypto currencies because they can provide a degree of anonymity, although crypto currency transactions are not automatically untraceable.
But the real purpose of this discussion is not simply to talk about the Dark Web. The real issue is the continuous kidnapping, sexual abuse and murder of children in Pakistan.
Child abuse and murder are not new issues in Pakistan. However, society has often struggled to confront the truth openly and effectively. Similar problems exist in many countries around the world.
Some people may remember a case from more than two decades ago involving Javed Iqbal Mughal, who was accused of murdering numerous children. He was accused of sexually abusing children and murdering them. According to reports from that period, he targeted vulnerable children, including runaway and homeless children.
On December 3, 1999, Javed Iqbal appeared at the office of an Urdu newspaper and claimed responsibility for the murders. He was subsequently arrested and sentenced to death. Later, reports stated that Javed Iqbal and an associate died in prison after ingesting poison.
Some people have speculated that the case was connected with human-organ trafficking and that hidden forces were involved. Such claims, however, require credible evidence and should not be presented as established facts without verification.
In another major scandal reported in 2015, hundreds of children were allegedly subjected to sexual abuse and their videos were allegedly recorded over a period of years. Allegations were also made against certain individuals connected with the case. These cases demonstrate the need for serious investigation, accountability and protection of children.
We cannot simply explain every case by blaming psychological problems or individual depravity and then remain silent. Child exploitation can also involve organized criminal networks and financial motives. It is therefore essential that law-enforcement agencies investigate every possibility and that society refuses to remain silent.
The tragic case of Zainab in Kasur also shocked Pakistan. She became a symbol of the need for stronger child-protection systems and justice for victims of sexual violence and murder.
Some people blame religious communities, while others blame liberals or particular social groups. But the problem is far more complicated than that. Child abuse and exploitation cannot be reduced to a simple religious, political or ideological explanation.
There are reports around the world of criminals exploiting children and women for money, including through online platforms and hidden networks. Some criminal networks allegedly arrange the recording and distribution of abuse for financial gain. Such crimes represent a serious threat to humanity and require strong international cooperation.
We are living in a world where technology can be used for both good and evil. The silence of good people can allow criminals to become stronger. We must speak up, remain alert and protect vulnerable people.
Look at the condition of our society: corruption, dishonesty, bribery and injustice have become widespread concerns. We remain silent as if we have already stopped caring.
We must stand up and take responsibility. Otherwise, the life of an ordinary person—already full of difficulties—may become even more difficult.
May Allah Almighty grant us a death upon faith and protect us from evil, deception and destructive forces.
Ameen.
