Privacy Chapter 7 — VPNs Demystified: What They Do & Which Ones You Can Trust
- Pallav Avatarit
- Nov 7, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 25, 2025
Virtual Private Network (VPN):
Alright, let's dive into Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs. In simple terms, a VPN is a service that protects your internet connection and privacy online. It does this by creating a secure, encrypted tunnel for your data, hiding your IP address, and making your online actions virtually untraceable.
What is an IP Address?
Think of your IP address like your home address, but for your internet connection. It’s a unique string of numbers that identifies your device on the internet. Just like someone can send mail to your home address, websites and online services use your IP address to send information back to your device. Without a VPN, your IP address can reveal a lot about you, including your location.
What Does a VPN Do?
A VPN hides your IP address by routing your internet traffic through a server in another location. This makes it look like you’re browsing from a different place, protecting your identity and location. This is especially useful for fighting censorship. For example, in China, the government blocks many websites and services. By using a VPN, you can bypass these restrictions and access the internet freely.
But let's get real about why you need a VPN. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can see everything you do online, even when you’re in incognito mode. They track your browsing history, the websites you visit, and the data you send and receive. ISPs can sell this data to big tech companies or hand it over to the government upon request. This means your private browsing history is not so private after all. A VPN helps protect you from these prying eyes.
The Scary Reality of Free VPNs
Using a free VPN might seem like a good deal, but most free VPNs keep logs of your activity. This means they can sell your data to advertisers or worse, compromise your privacy by handing over your logs if asked by the government. From privacy point of view, there are very little advantages of having a free log-keeping VPN over no VPN at all. For example, in India, the government required VPN providers to store user data. In response, many reputable VPN services shut down their servers in India to protect user privacy. This shows how critical it is to choose a VPN that has a strict no-logs policy.
Essential Features of a Good VPN
When choosing a VPN, look for these key features:
1. Strict No Logs Policy: Ensures that the VPN provider doesn’t keep any records of your online activity.
2. RAM Servers: These servers don’t store any data on hard drives, so every time they reboot, all data is wiped.
3. Independently Audited: Regular audits by third parties verify that the VPN’s privacy claims are accurate.
4. Strong Encryption and Secure Protocols: Look for encryption standards like AES-256 and protocols like WireGuard for top-notch security.
5. Servers in Your Preferred Country: Check if the VPN has servers in the countries you need.
6. WebRTC and DNS Leak Protection: Prevents your real IP address from leaking through your browser.
7. Kill Switch: Automatically disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, ensuring your data isn’t exposed.
8. Simultaneous Connections: Allows you to use the VPN on multiple devices at the same time.
9. Cross-Platform Apps: Ensure the VPN has apps for all your devices, whether it’s Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or Linux.
Recommendations
For reliable VPN services, consider Proton VPN, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Mullvad VPN, and Surfshark VPN . Each has its strengths and a few inconveniences, but overall, they offer robust protection. Choose the one that best suits your needs and use it regularly.
If you’re not ready to invest in a paid VPN, Proton VPN is a solid free option. It doesn’t keep logs and has no data limit, but the free tier offers limited server choices. However, I generally discourage using free VPNs because many of them fund their services by selling user data and keeping logs. Investing in a reputable VPN, even an affordable one like Surfshark, is a wise decision.
VPNs also protect you when using public Wi-Fi, securing your data from potential hackers on the same network. They can also prevent your ISP from throttling your internet speed based on your usage.
The Limitations of VPNs
It’s important to note that while VPNs significantly enhance your online privacy, they are not a foolproof solution. They are the starting point for a more secure online presence but should be used alongside other privacy tools and good digital hygiene practices.
In today’s digital world, using a VPN is not just about bypassing geo-restrictions; it’s about protecting your privacy and maintaining control over your online presence. Whether you’re watching your favourite shows, accessing restricted content, or simply browsing the web, a good VPN is a must-have tool for staying safe online.
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