The UN has for the first time included the dark web in its annual world drug report.
The report, which addresses global drug consumption, examines the use of the dark web and "new technologies" for drug distribution.
The report claims the use of online marketplaces such as the Silk Road has "increased in recent years", which it says "raises concerns in terms of the potential [of the internet] to attract new populations of users by facilitating access to drugs in both developed and developing countries".
According to a 2014 global survey of 100,000 internet users in 50 countries, the number of drug users purchasing drugs online increased to 4.9 per cent in 2009 from 1.2 per cent in 2000. This increased further in 2013 – 16.4 per cent – and 2014 – 25.3 per cent.
The dark web is also attracting new drug users – 4 per cent of those purchasing drugs online had never previously bought drugs, the report claims.
The report also claims law enforcement is "not in a position to deal effectively" with the dark net, with a number of practical and legal problems that still need to be addressed.
These include the identification of the responsible jurisdiction and international sharing of data when the physical location of sellers and buyers is online.
The UN also suggest the use of "undercover agents to infiltrate networks to gather evidence and undermine the criminal business model".
The report could also have an impact on data security, suggesting that suspects should be forced to reveal passwords or decrypt information when charged with an offence.
Dark web sellers have been faced with increasing sanctions in recent years. In March, nine people were arrested in Europe-wide raids. Suspects were allegedly trading in drugs, weapons, fake IDs and counterfeit money. 33 marketplaces have also been shut down since 2013, when the first iteration of notorious marketplace Silk Road was shut down.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
