Darknet

Definition: A darknet is any kind of private computer network built for the purpose of person-to-person communication. Darknet does not represent any specific technology or application but rather the concept of implementing access-controlled virtual networks that run over large public networks like the Internet.

Darknets have become an increasingly popular topic with the ongoing development of P2P file sharing and digital rights management (DRM) technologies. Some view darknets as a superior approach to efficient network colloboration. Others associates darknets with illicit music and movie file sharing.

Many darknet network systems exist on the Internet today, most notably Grouper (see sidebar). Legitimate darknet networks strive to ensure both privacy (through encryption and other techniques) as well as legal usage.