I dispute that the website was really part of the "dark side". In fact, many see the website as ethical, since it reduced dangers to drug users.

From this article by the Drug Policy Alliance, there were several ways that the Silk Road had a net positive effect on safety:

• Silk Road reduced the potential violence associated with buying drugs. By taking away the need for face-to-face interaction, Silk Road reduced the violence commonly associated with drug purchases. It also took power away from cartels.

• It allowed for better knowledge about content and purity. One of the greatest dangers of drug use is that it’s very difficult to know if you’re getting what you intend to get, especially with today’s rapidly diversifying synthetic market. Using a review system similar to what you’d see on Yelp or other sites, a seller who was not representing his or her product accurately would not have customers long, and a user could be sure about his or her purchase.

• It encouraged harm reduction among users. Silk Road had a whole section of its site devoted to safer drug use practices. It’s relevant and important that this kind of content reach people at the very place where they are making purchases.