Why VPNs Might Not Actually Protect Your Privacy

🔒VPNs often employ bait-and-switch tactics, promising privacy and protection but failing to deliver.

🌐Using a VPN only hides your web activity from your internet service provider.

🤫Trusting VPN providers who claim to have a no-logs policy is the only option, as there is no way to verify.

📡Using a VPN can draw attention to your online activities, as some websites block known VPN IP ranges.

💰VPNs may be cheaper than self-hosted options, but they often over-provision resources and suspend users for high usage.

Do VPNs actually improve privacy?

—Using a VPN does not automatically improve privacy. It only hides your web activity from your internet service provider.

Can VPN providers be trusted with user data?

—Most VPN providers claim to have a no-logs policy, but it's difficult to verify. VPNs based in the US may be compelled to hand over user data.

Do VPNs protect against website blocking?

—Some websites block known VPN IP ranges, making it difficult to access content while using a VPN.

Why are self-hosted VPNs recommended?

—Self-hosted VPNs give you more control over your privacy and can be set up to encrypt your hard drive. However, they require technical knowledge and a trustworthy VPS provider.

What are the valid reasons for using a VPN?

—Valid reasons include using public Wi-Fi, hiding browsing history from employers or universities, circumventing censorship, and torrenting in strict anti-piracy countries.

00:00The NordVPN hack in 2018 brought attention to VPN security issues.

01:30VPNs don't actually protect your privacy; they simply hide your web activity from your ISP.

03:00VPN services often use bait-and-switch tactics, promising privacy but not delivering.

04:30VPN providers may be required to hand over user data, compromising privacy.

05:45Using a self-hosted VPN has its own challenges, such as limited IP addresses and potential snooping by VPS providers.