Investigative Techniques for the De-Anonymization of Hidden Services

Abstract

Anonymity networks, also referred to as anonymous networks or darknets are an example of privacy-enhancing technology, the historical goal of which is to avoid censorship, preserve user privacy, and promote freedom of speech. The Tor network, undoubtedly the most popular anonymization technology at the time of this writing, according to its website, has several categories of users: individuals who wish to safeguard their online activity, businesses wanting to keep data confidential or conducting competitive analysis, journalists willing to protect anonymous sources and sensitive research, and activists who want to report abuses from danger zones.