Ranking Trust Factors Affecting Risk Perception in Illicit Drug Purchase on the Darknet: A Large-Scale Survey Study...

Area of Science:

• Cyber criminology
• Risk perception studies
• Darknet market analysis

Background:

• Illicit drug trafficking on darknet markets is influenced by trust factors.
• Previous research identified potential factors but lacked empirical ranking of their importance.
• Cyber criminology needs a validated tool to measure trust factor significance in darknet transactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a measurement tool for assessing trust factors in darknet drug purchases.
• To empirically rank the importance of various trust factors influencing customer risk perception.
• To provide a trust matrix for understanding illicit drug market dynamics.

Main Methods:

• A large-scale survey (n=5481) was conducted among Hungarian university students.
• Projective situational questions were used to gauge risk perception and factor importance.
• The sample was selected to represent potential darknet market users with relevant technical skills.

Main Results:

• A trust matrix was developed, ranking key factors in darknet drug purchases.
• Reliable and undamaged delivery of goods was ranked as the most important factor.
• Vendor reliability was also identified as a highly significant trust factor.

Conclusions:

• The developed measurement tool can support future criminological research on vendor reputation.
• Findings highlight the critical role of delivery providers in darknet market trust.
• Influencing delivery-related risk perception may effectively reduce demand for illicit substances.