Virtual Private Network: Three Reasons VPNs Are Controversial
There have been enough breaches of personal data online to make users feel they might need an extra layer of protection. Of course, there are diverse options when it comes to cybersecurity, but many of those products may be out of reach for regular consumers. However, a virtual private network or VPN is accessible to anyone; but it’s also true that VPNs are controversial due to what they allow you to do. Therefore, this article will explore that subject in further depth.
You can access material restricted or banned in your country
A virtual private network is designed to protect your security and privacy. However, some of the ways it does that enters a grey area of specific laws and copyright regulations. For example, if a website is blocked or banned in your country, then a VPN can gain you access to it if you connect to a server based outside of your country.
Of course, it can be annoying when you can’t access specific information. However, it’s usually for a reason, and you might be putting yourself at risk or breaking the law by choosing to use a VPN to gain access. Some brands such as Netflix are getting wise to this by trying to block the use of VPNs to stream content that is only available on the USA version of their movie streaming platform.
A VPN will disguise your IP address and get around website bans
It’s frequent practice for websites to track your IP address especially when you’re logged-in or making a purchase. There are several reasons this is done, from detecting bank fraud to making it easier to ban members. However, a VPN can usually get around a website ban.
The reason behind this is most bans are through your IP address, but a virtual private network easily allows you to change your IP to a different location. Therefore, if you are involved in illegal or disruptive behavior, the VPN can get you back on the site. It’s a challenging situation for websites to manage and to block VPN access is no easy task.
Virtual private networks allow online payments in different currencies
When you visit sites with a global audience, sometimes payment for particular products or services is different depending on your location. Of course, this can be frustrating, and a virtual private network allows you to manipulate the system. As mentioned previously, it will enable you to purchase products that banned in your country.
However, even if that’s not the case, you can make purchases in almost any denomination you want, depending on what server you connect to; that may mean you can get a specific product cheaper than when paying in your currency. Some people may view this as just being smart but consider there may be reasons the price is at that level such as a form of sales tax you should be paying. In any case, it’s another reason using a VPN is controversial.
Virtual private networks have their uses, and you should consider using one to protect your security and privacy. However, there is also a dark side to using them that you should be aware of because they cross some grey areas when it comes to law and copyright. Therefore, remember a VPN allows you to access content that is banned or restricted in your country, can disguise your IP address allowing you to get around website bans and you can make online payments in various currencies.
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