Digital figurations in the online trade of illicit drugs: A qualitative content analysis of darknet forums

Introduction: This article analyses the factors of trust, logistics, and conflict on darknet markets (DNMs) and forums that are dedicated to selling illicit drugs. The analysis is conducted by utilising Elias (1978) theoretical concept of 'figuration,' which refers to the communicative constellations that eventuate between actors.

Methods: A qualitative content analysis was applied to a sample collected from darknet forums related to darknet markets, independent forums with trade sections, and separate vendor shops. The main categories trust, logistics, and conflict are analysed, and certain subcategories are also explored, including operational security (opsec), vouching, and shilling. These terms are commonly used to describe the trading of drugs on the darknet.

Results: Users of DNMs and forums discuss vendors, their products, and security-related features. Vouching and shilling are attempts to strengthen trust, logistics are used to secure the trade, while conflicts reflected in forum discussion threads often arise when logistics fail. Logistics may fail due to different reasons and actors involved in the associated figurations. The (anticipated) presence of actors in disguise is crucial for all of the main categories.

Conclusion: Notions of trust, logistics, and conflict express attempts to cope with or circumvent risks imposed on users of DNMs by other users (e.g., scamming) or law enforcement (e.g., the interception of packages). Due to the illicit nature of the trade, these notions have to be constantly negotiated through digital communication.