If you’re interested in finding out when this course runs again, sign up for our Newsbite weekly newsletter for updates. In the meantime, check out our list of current courses.

What exactly is the ‘dark web’? Can you really buy anything on there? Drugs? Weapons? Exotic pets? People? Can you hire a hitman? Is your personal information being sold there? What is cryptocurrency and how do you obtain and spend it? How do the drugs get through the mail? How can illegal materials be shared so freely? Why don’t they just shut it down?

Join one of the world’s leading dark web experts, author Eileen Ormsby, as she takes you on a walkthrough of the dark web and darknet markets. Learn how to navigate safely and anonymously, how to find what you are looking for, and how to avoid the sites that are illegal merely to visit. Find out how whistleblowers can provide information securely and anonymously and how law enforcement agencies infiltrate and track down predators and criminals in the face of seemingly impenetrable technology.

Whether you are a journalist interested in this new frontier of crime and anonymity, or a fiction writer looking for inspiration or information for your story, you will come away from this session with an understanding of the dark web and answers to the above questions and more.

Expected Learning Outcomes

1. Gain an understanding of what the dark web is and what can be found there (and what are complete myths!)
2. Learn how to download a dark web browser and find the starting points for navigating dark web sites
3. Gain a basic understanding of the darknet markets, and the role of cryptocurrency and encryption in making anonymous purchases
4. Learn how to recognise and avoid potential illegal (child exploitation) sites
5. Gain an understanding of common techniques used by law enforcement to track and arrest criminals running or using dark web sites

Participant Requirements

This seminar takes place on Zoom. You will need a secure internet connection and confidence using basic computer software to take part in this seminar. Participants must be 18+ years of age. If you have any questions, please contact us.

You will receive a link to join the Zoom seminar the day before the seminar. Read our frequently asked questions here>>

More from Writing NSW

Check out our full range of online creative writing courses and our feedback programs to see how we can help you on your writing journey. Find out about our grants and prizes, as well as writing groups across NSW, and sign up to our weekly newsletter for writing events, opportunities and giveaways.