H.R. 6104: Dark Web Interdiction Act of 2025

The Dark Web Interdiction Act of 2025 aims to combat the delivery and distribution of opioids and other controlled substances via the dark web. Here are the main points of the legislation:

Short Title

The bill will be known as the "Dark Web Interdiction Act of 2025."

Key Findings

• The dark web consists of websites that can be accessed only through specific software, providing anonymity for users and making it difficult for law enforcement to monitor activities.
• Illegal activities on these marketplaces include selling drugs, weapons, malware, and other illicit goods.
• The dark web contributes to the ongoing substance abuse crisis in the United States by allowing anonymous transactions of illicit drugs.
• Law enforcement has faced challenges in identifying and prosecuting individuals involved in these activities due to the nature of the dark web.

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this legislation is to protect public health by preventing the distribution of illegal drugs via the dark web. Specifically, it seeks to:

• Enhance law enforcement’s ability to investigate and penalize the distribution of opioids and other controlled substances online.
• Support collaboration among various law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, tribal, and local levels to tackle these issues.

Definitions

The bill provides specific definitions, including:

• Dark web: A part of the internet that includes hidden services not indexed by traditional search engines, accessible through specific tools.
• Illicit marketplace: Websites on the dark web where individuals can buy or sell illegal goods, including drugs.

Penalties for Dark Web Offenses

Under the proposed law, it will be illegal to:

• Deliver or distribute controlled substances through the dark web unless specifically authorized.
• Aid or assist any activities that violate this prohibition.

Violators may face increased penalties according to amended federal sentencing guidelines.

Establishment of Task Force

The bill proposes creating a Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement Task Force within the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

• The task force will be led by a Director appointed by the President and aims to detect and dismantle illicit marketplaces.
• It will include representatives from various law enforcement agencies, facilitating proactive and reactive investigations.

Funding and Reporting

The task force will operate using funds allocated to the Attorney General, with the Director required to submit annual reports to Congress detailing the task force's activities and effectiveness.

Five-Year Review

Congress will evaluate the definitions and effectiveness of measures in the legislation at least every five years to ensure they remain pertinent.

Severability Clause

If any part of the Act is found to be invalid, the rest of the Act will still remain in force.

Relevant Companies

• AMZN (Amazon.com, Inc.): As a major online retailer, any efforts to monitor or regulate dark web transactions may indirectly impact how online platforms handle sales of restricted items.
• GOOGL (Alphabet Inc.): As the parent company of Google, developments concerning online privacy and marketplace regulations may affect their services related to search and advertising technologies.