White House Market

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
White House Market
Type of site
Darknet market
Available inEnglish
OwnerMr.White
Created byMr.White
URLcensored.onion Tor network(Accessing link help)
CommercialYes
RegistrationRequired
Users350,000[citation needed]
LaunchedAugust 2019
Current statusExit scammed

White House Market (WHM) was a darknet market that operated intermittently from August 24, 2019, to October 2, 2021. Launched in August 2019 and exclusively accessible through the Tor network, WHM garnered a significant user base with almost 895,000 registered users, 3,450 vendors, and nearly 47,500 listings, according to its home page. While the marketplace featured various illegal products, its main focus was on narcotics, particularly in European territories. WHM gained prominence by filling the void left by the closure of other darknet markets, such as Dream Market and Empire Market, in mid-2019. It distinguished itself through operational security measures, including mandatory JavaScript disabling and an effective moderation team that mediated disputes between users.[1]

The market employed various strategies to enhance security, such as Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) encryption for all communications and a shift to prioritizing Monero, a decentralized cryptocurrency known for its privacy features. With an estimated sales volume of up to $120 million, the administrators may have profited nearly $5 million. White House Market implemented user-friendly features, such as a bug bounty program, fast customer service, and a simple design without unnecessary elements. The market operated in English, with limited support in Spanish or French, and accepted Monero as the exclusive payment method. It was one of the longest running and profitable markets for its time.

Noteworthy features included a lack of withdrawal or deposit limits, a 5% fee for sellers (with no fee for buyers), and private listings for custom orders or discounts. WHM also emphasized security through measures like end-to-end encryption for messages, mandatory two-factor authentication based on a word list, and the encryption of sensitive data. The market's commitment to privacy extended to the minimal retention of plaintext information and the encryption of various elements, including messages, support tickets, and order details.

Despite the closure of WHM in October 2021, its impact on the dark web landscape is evident, as it set market wide standards for security and user privacy during its operational period.[2][3]

Replacement by DrugHub

DrugHub, the latest marketplace to hit the dark web, has recently been linked to the same people behind the infamous White House Market (WHM) platform. This revelation has raised concerns among users and has sparked a debate about the safety and reliability of using a marketplace created by the same individuals.

The connection between DrugHub and White House Market (WHM) is troubling, as WHM was exit scammed by authorities after numerous reports of scams, theft, and fraud. Many users lost significant amounts of money and were left with no recourse to recover their funds. With DrugHub now on the scene and being operated by the same creators, there is a legitimate fear that history may repeat itself.

In light of this information, it is strongly advised for users to exercise caution when considering using DrugHub or any other marketplace associated with the creators of White House Market (WHM). While the dark web offers anonymity and a certain degree of privacy, it also poses significant risks to users who may fall victim to scams or fraudulent activities.

It is crucial for individuals to carefully evaluate their options and consider alternative platforms for conducting transactions. By taking proactive measures and researching potential marketplaces thoroughly, users can protect themselves from falling prey to scams and losing their hard-earned money.

Ultimately, the connection between DrugHub and White House Market (WHM) serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in using dark web marketplaces. It is essential for users to be vigilant, informed, and cautious when navigating these platforms to safeguard themselves against potential risks and threats.

References

  1. ^ Project, Mohar Chatterjee, Brown Institute for Media Innovation and MuckRock??s Documenting COVID-19. "The Demise of White House Market Will Shake Up the Dark Web". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved 2024-03-06.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ "PSA: White House Market is Retiring | Darknetlive". 2022-06-28. Archived from the original on 2022-06-28. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
  3. ^ "Dark web marketplace White House Market shuts down". therecord.media. Retrieved 2024-03-06.