Silk Road was an online marketplace that operated on the dark web, primarily known for facilitating the sale of illegal goods and services, especially drugs. It launched in 2011 and used Bitcoin as its primary payment method, helping to popularize cryptocurrencies for transactions that provided privacy and anonymity.The platform allowed users to create accounts and list items for sale, with a rating and review system to promote trust among buyers and sellers. Transactions were secured through an escrow system, whereby the payment would only be released to the seller once the buyer confirmed receipt of the item.In 2013, Silk Road was seized and shut down by law enforcement, leading to the arrest of its founder, Ross Ulbricht. The platform’s closure highlighted the potential for cryptocurrencies to be used in illegal activities, prompting regulators to consider new measures to monitor online exchanges and transactions. Despite its controversial legacy, Silk Road played a significant role in shaping perceptions and discussions around cryptocurrency, privacy, and online commerce.