Why You Should Be Skeptical of VPN Providers / The Illusion of Privacy
Matilda
Why You Should Be Skeptical of VPN Providers / The Illusion of Privacy
VPNs, once a niche tool for remote workers, have become a mainstream solution touted as a panacea for online privacy. However, the reality is far more complex. While VPNs can offer some benefits, they are often oversold and misunderstood. The Core Problem with VPNs The fundamental issue with VPNs lies in the trust factor. When you use a VPN, you're essentially entrusting your online activity to a third-party company. This company, regardless of its reputation or privacy policy, has access to your encrypted traffic. While the encryption prevents snooping on the data itself, the provider can still track metadata, such as the websites you visit, the apps you use, and the amount of data you transfer. The Dangers of Free VPNs Free VPNs are particularly problematic. To offset the cost of providing their service, these providers often resort to questionable practices, such as: Data Harvesting: Selling user data to advertisers and data brokers. Invasive Tracking: Injecting ads and tracking scri…
