System Knowledge Base

This registry operates as the designated high-availability access point for the Darkmatter ecosystem. Due to the volatile nature of the Tor network and potential routing latency, we maintain a rotating list of cryptographically signed V3 onion addresses. This ensures uninterrupted connectivity to the marketplace infrastructure while providing a root of trust for users.

The .onion Top Level Domain (TLD) signifies a hidden service within the Tor network. Traffic to Darkmatter Market is routed through three random relays (Guard, Middle, Exit), with layered encryption at each step. This architecture ensures that neither the user's ISP nor the marketplace servers can ascertain the physical location or IP address of the other party, ensuring complete network-level anonymity.

Access requires a properly configured Tor Browser instance. Users must manually copy a verified address from our Mirrors Page, such as kb3qxip7bvh6rgfre7h7gcxth2bf7ezo5tubp3a5cdef2pboc3bpdtad.onion, and navigate to it directly. For optimal security, we mandate setting the browser security level to 'Safer' or 'Safest' to mitigate JavaScript-based fingerprinting vectors.

Registration is permissionless and requires no PII (Personal Identifiable Information). Upon account creation, the system generates a cryptographic mnemonic seed phrase. This phrase is the sole mechanism for account recovery. We do not store passwords in plaintext and cannot reset credentials manually. Users must secure this mnemonic offline immediately; failure to do so results in permanent loss of access.

Authenticity is established via PGP signature verification. Darkmatter Market signs all valid mirror lists and login challenges with its official private key. Users must import the market's public key (available on the About Page) into their local GPG keyring (e.g., Kleopatra). By verifying the signed message presented upon connection, users mathematically prove the server is controlled by the legitimate administration.

Our infrastructure utilizes a decentralized, containerized server architecture with Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP) for data handling. We enforce mandatory PGP encryption for Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and all vendor communications. The platform does not log IP addresses or access timestamps. However, user-side OpSec—such as using Tails OS and keeping private keys on air-gapped devices—remains the critical component of the security model.

Zero-Knowledge Proofs allow our platform to validate user actions—such as confirming sufficient balance for a trade—without the server ever knowing the user's actual wallet balance or transaction history. This cryptographic method minimizes the data footprint stored on our infrastructure, ensuring that even in the event of a theoretical server seizure, financial data remains mathematically inaccessible.

Bitcoin and other transparent-ledger assets are incompatible with our privacy standards due to advanced chain analysis surveillance. Darkmatter operates exclusively on the Monero network, leveraging Ring Signatures, RingCT, and Stealth Addresses to ensure transaction graph obfuscation. This guarantees that financial flows cannot be traced to individual users or vendors.

Funds are held in a secure, intermediate market wallet upon order placement. Release to the vendor occurs only upon buyer confirmation of receipt. The system includes an auto-finalization timer (typically 14 days) which releases funds if no dispute is raised. Dispute initiation pauses this timer, triggering the resolution protocol. This protects both parties from fraud.

Yes. We support 2-of-3 Monero Multisig escrow. This protocol requires digital signatures from two of the three involved parties (Buyer, Vendor, Market) to authorize any fund movement. This mathematically prevents the market administration from unilaterally seizing funds, providing a trustless environment for significant settlements.

Vendor status is restricted to verified entities. Applicants undergo a four-stage vetting process: (1) Reputation cross-verification from established markets (Recon/Dread), (2) PGP identity proof, (3) Operational security assessment, and (4) A refundable vendor bond payment (approx. $500 USD in XMR). This capital requirement filters out low-effort actors and ensures marketplace integrity.

Darkmatter enforces a strict harm-reduction policy. Prohibited listings include: Weaponry and Explosives, Fentanyl/Carfentanil and analogues, CP/CSAM, Human Trafficking, and violent services (hitman/gloom). Ransomware and destructive malware are also banned. Violations result in immediate vendor termination, bond forfeiture, and community blacklisting.

Disputes trigger an analysis by our automated resolution engine, which evaluates shipping data, vendor history, and communication logs to propose a verdict. A senior human moderator then reviews this data packet to render a final, binding decision. This hybrid model reduces resolution latency by 65% while ensuring fair, context-aware outcomes for complex scenarios.

Network latency or DDoS attacks may render specific onion addresses temporarily unreachable. Users should return to this registry and select an alternative mirror from our Mirrors Page. Our load balancers automatically rotate functional mirrors to mitigate attacks. Persistent connectivity issues should be verified against our external status indicators on Jabber.

Registered users should utilize the encrypted ticketing system within the market dashboard for order-related inquiries. For critical security reports or access issues preventing login, contact us via the PGP-signed email address listed on the verified login page. Never transmit sensitive details via cleartext channels or unencrypted email.