Monitoring an anonymity network: Toward the deanonymization of hidden services

Anonymity networks are an example of Privacy Enhancing Technology (PET) whose historical goal is to avoid censorship, preserve users privacy, and promote freedom of speech. Such networks, however, also provide a “safe haven” for criminal activity: previous research observed a dominance of commerce platforms delivered as hidden services within The Onion Router (Tor) network, undoubtedly the most popular anonymization technology at the time of writing, largely around narcotics and illegal financial services.