Share this article
Bitcoin on the Dark Web: The Facts
Just how much do we know about new underground economies? Here's what available data can tell us about bitcoin on the Dark Web.
By Grace Caffyn
Updated Sep 11, 2021, 11:53 a.m. Published Sep 23, 2015, 4:44 p.m.
Bitcoin has been the de facto currency of the Dark Web – the 'hidden' Internet accessible only by Tor – since the pioneering marketplace Silk Road, the 'eBay of drugs', arrived in 2011.
But just how much do we know about these new underground economies? Who is buying and selling – and what? Here's what available data can tell us about bitcoin on the Dark Web.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Don't miss another story.Subscribe to the Crypto Daybook Americas Newsletter today. See all newsletters
More For You
L1 tokens broadly underperformed in 2025 despite a backdrop of regulatory and institutional wins. Explore the key trends defining ten major blockchains below.
What to know:
2025 was defined by a stark divergence: structural progress collided with stagnant price action. Institutional milestones were reached and TVL increased across most major ecosystems, yet the majority of large-cap Layer-1 tokens finished the year with negative or flat returns.
This report analyzes the structural decoupling between network usage and token performance. We examine 10 major blockchain ecosystems, exploring protocol versus application revenues, key ecosystem narratives, mechanics driving institutional adoption, and the trends to watch as we head into 2026.
More For You
BlackRock names bitcoin ETF a top 2025 theme despite price slump
The world's largest asset manager is promoting its underperforming bitcoin fund over higher-fee winners, signaling long-term commitment.
What to know:
- BlackRock named its iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) one of its top three investment themes for 2025, despite bitcoin falling more than 4% this year.
- IBIT has attracted over $25 billion in inflows since January, making it the sixth most popular ETF by new investment this year.
- The move signals BlackRock’s conviction that bitcoin belongs in diversified portfolios, even as traditional alternatives outperform.
Top Stories
