Legal consequences

Someone caught buying or selling illegal goods and services online could be prosecuted. Consequences might be a criminal record or prison sentence.

Anonymity, grooming, and abuse

Anonymous and encrypted online spaces, where illegal goods are bought and sold, can increase risk or exposure to radicalism or child sexual abuse.

It can be harder to police these spaces, or to make a report to authorities.

Exposure to harmful content

A child or young person who uses the dark web could access or view:

• pornography
• drugs
• weapons
• child sexual abuse material

Exposure to upsetting, adult or illegal content can cause a young person to feel scared, anxious, or upset.

Malware and viruses

Malware is malicious software. It can be used to:

• steal someone’s information
• fraud
• extort or blackmail
• compromise someone’s device

Malware and computer viruses are distributed on black markets and the dark web. If someone is unfamiliar with the dark web or specific sites, they may be at greater risk of exposure to malware and viruses.

Someone who accidentally downloads malware or a virus might not ask for help or support. They might be afraid they will get in more trouble.

Someone might buy or sell illegal goods and services online because they:

• have no other access to certain illegal goods, for example, drugs
• view it as a way to make money
• are being groomed or coerced
• are not being fully aware of the legal risks

They may also be interested because they:

• are curious
• find it exciting
• want to remain anonymous online