Will using the markets only become easier or harder in the coming future?

All innovations start with only a tiny niche knowing about it, then it gradually expands until it goes from people on the fringe to the general public. Since it's already really difficult for LE to get ahold of DNM transactions (which, legally speaking, is drug trafficking), what effect do you think this could have on policy? This might not even be the right sub for this sort of discussion, but I could really see it going both ways. Either the rise of DNM's popularity forces the world to directly confront the futility of the war on drugs and misinforation/propoganda surrounding drugs (once the stereotype of a drug user changes from street junkie to normal, everyday person) or gov'ts around the world will double down and, particularly in the US, will throw constitutionally-guranteed rights to the wayside in order to "protect the children." (which is not far-fetched/might have already happened)

TL;DR What would happen once knowledge/awareness of DNM becomes mainstream, if that day ever comes?


Comments


[7 Points] None:

[deleted]


[6 Points] My-drugs-account:

I hope it becomes harder. Some of the idiots on this sub make me want to beat them with a block of wood sometimes.


[4 Points] synikal12:

I'd say it's hit mainstream to be honest. Back in 2011 being able to order any drugs at the click of a mouse was an obsolete thought to most. Now, most people are aware that it's possible, they just don't know where to start. Also, people just don't want to bother with learning bitcoins and/or are super sketched out about the idea of drugs coming in the mail to their house.

Source: personal experience.


[2 Points] None:

It boils down to supply and demand. The greater the demand (ie, the greater the potential for profit), the greater the opportunity to launch and sustain such sites. As said earlier, awareness fuels demand further.

Right now, its a lot of risk takers using the markets (not to put a label on any of us), because of the uncertainty with security and the like. Furthermore, there are some 'major' barriers to use the sites (in the eyes of the general consumer). This includes figuring out how to use bitcoins, and learning PGP. Like it or not, this stuff intimidates a lot of people, hence why not every person who needs a source for _____ isn't using it. Momentum will greatly increase for these sites once a simpler solution has been found. To further illustrate my point, ask anyone you know who wants _____ but doesn't have a source why they don't use the markets. Listen to their reasons. When there are simple solutions to these issues, then the floodgates will open.

That said, there is too much money in this for it to stop. In the future, we'll see protocols succeeding current ones (like Tor). Not only to counter against current LEO capabilities, but to ensure safety (and marketability) of these marketplaces. Unless there is a fundamental change in policy, this is a technological arms race that will never stop. As of this post, there is no stronger threat to the conventional drug trade than ecommerce. :)


[2 Points] di_coco74:

Never confuse the simplicity of supply and demand with the effectiveness of advanced technology. Guerrilla warfare is ALWAYS won with old technology beating far more superior enemies. Silk Road was taken down by FBI who tried supercomputers to catch the guy but in the end he was caught slipping. Literally days later, and without hesitation, 2 prominent (now closed) markets were almost at capacity for new vendors. Few, and I do mean FEW weeks go by literally 10 new markets pop up. It was all on mainstream media as well not for too long though. The only thing FBI achieved besides seizing and selling back millions in Bitcoins, was show everyone how to be more careful and evade them. But whatever happens it will always get easier. Only way for the machine to beat us is join the party. LEGALIZATION


[1 Points] select1on:

I think that it will be harder in that the people delivering the goods will be able to detect unusual deliveries, maybe programmatically. Joe blogs gets express overnight deliveries each week where it puts him on a high possibility list.

It won't be a random thing, they will push hard on the only weakness, the physical delivery. It is detectable if you sit and think about it. I guess for those who order, it might be good to have a couple drop locations as to not stand out, low hanging fruit and all that.

And, the LEO are duty bound to try and interrupt the DNM system with any options available. They literally get paid to try to bust everyone involved. They spend 8 hours a day each day thinking about how to do it. It is crazy that so much is invested in this but it is the case anyway. This is why being smart about what you do and how you do it pays dividends.


[1 Points] 666fun:

If you think the darknet shows the futility if the drug war, you haven't been paying attention. It's been futile for a long time, but there's so much money to be made maintaining the status quo, that's why it remains as it is...


[1 Points] iamthenull:

The markets in their current state are like what Napster was 10 years ago, they will only get better.