Insights of the Dark Web and AI in 2026
The internet is a powerful place. We use it to learn, talk to friends, watch videos, and do homework. But not everything on the internet is safe or visible to everyone. Some parts are hidden, and some technologies are very advanced. Two important topics that people talk about today are the dark web and AI.
These two ideas may sound scary or confusing, but they don’t have to be. In this article, we will explain what the dark web and AI are, how they connect, and why it is important to understand them.
How Are Dark Web and AI Connected?
The connection between the dark web and AI is very important in today’s digital world.
AI can be used in two main ways when it comes to the dark web:
- AI used by criminals
- AI used to fight cybercrime
AI on the Dark Web
AI models on the darknet created a criminal environment that is becoming more accessible, efficient, and commoditized. Artificial intelligence models provide user-friendly technology that enables hackers to automate additional illegal actions and improve their existing services. On the dark web, open-source models that are unrestricted and optimized for criminality can be bought.
On the other hand, open-source AI language models will be more commonly used by business-oriented cybercriminals. They provide Phishing-as-a-Service (PaaS), Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), and Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS).
These are the techniques used by cybercriminals on the dark web:
- Improve malware
- Using AI as a weapon to hack
- Covert assaults
- Producing deepfake data
- Deep exploits
- Generative adversarial networks, or GANs
- AI-assisted password guessing
- CAPTCHA cracking software with machine learning capabilities
- Human impersonation on social media
3 Popular Dark Web AI Models
When cybercriminals use the word GPT, they are probably using an open-source model. Because the word “GPT” appeals to a wider audience, they designate these models as such. WormGPT, FraudGPT, DarkGPT, and DarkBard are examples of software that have already been developed and are offered for monthly and annual access fees. This is the AI that cybercriminals can utilize on the dark web.
WormGPT
The Portuguese programmer behind WormGPT created the application at the age of 23. It is a $500 monthly subscription-based business concept. This AI on the dark web is referred to as being geared to produce malware. Instead of programming the process of creating entire malware, WormGPT can assist crooks in more expertly repeating their dangerous code.
FraudGPT
Threat actors modified the FraudGPT model and duplicated the ChatGPT interface. Spear-phishing emails are employed in business email compromise (BEC) and other fraudulent activities. When combined with PaaS infrastructures, this tool can lower the barrier of entry for cybercriminals by generating tailored emails at scale.
For example, fraudsters who work as freelancers may have a notion of what they want to do, but they frequently engage real workers to carry out these tactics. Therefore, these independent contractors are no longer needed by hackers thanks to FraudGPT.
DarkBART
DarkBART is another AI chatbot that provides threat actors with ChatGPT-like AI capabilities that surpass current GenAI offerings for cybercriminals. This AI may make it easier for aspiring cybercriminals to advance their activities. These include complex business email compromise (BEC) phishing campaigns, identifying and taking advantage of zero-day vulnerabilities, searching for risky infrastructure flaws, creating and disseminating malware, and many more.
How Criminals Use AI on the Dark Web
Unfortunately, some people use dark web and AI for bad purposes. On the dark web, AI tools are sometimes sold or shared to help criminals.
1. Smarter Cyber Attacks
Hackers use dark web and AI to:
- Guess passwords faster
- Find weak security systems
- Create more powerful viruses
AI makes these attacks faster and harder to stop.
2. Fake Images and Videos
AI can create fake pictures, videos, and voices. These are called deepfakes. Criminals use them to:
- Trick people
- Steal money
- Spread false information
Some deepfake tools are sold on the dark web.
3. Automated Scams
AI-powered bots can send thousands of scam messages automatically. These messages look real and personal, making people more likely to fall for them.
Final Thoughts
The dark web and AI may sound scary at first, but understanding them makes a big difference. The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where both good and bad things happen. AI is a smart technology that can help or harm, depending on how it is used.
When used responsibly, AI helps protect us from the dangers of the dark web. When misused, it can increase risks. That’s why learning about these topics is so important—even for students.
By staying informed, using safe online habits, and understanding how technology works, you can enjoy the internet while staying protected.