Sometimes it seems that everyone is concerned about his or her privacy online. Various leaks and security scandals in media only add to this global concern. Trying to secure their privacy, users turn to various free proxy services that are abundant today, as well as VPN services which are also free. But are they as useful as they want you to think?
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Free proxies and low internet speed
If you only need lightweight web access and aren’t prioritizing strong privacy, free proxies may seem convenient. However, your whole Internet experience will likely slow down. Free servers are crowded and resources are limited, so performance often suffers. If you use a free VPN app, your ISP may also reduce your connection speed at times. Availability can be unpredictable too: a node that works today may stop working tomorrow for technical or organizational reasons.
Free proxies collect personal data
Free proxies, anonymizers, and VPNs may track their users by collecting IP logs and other usage data, and you never know how much information they have or how it’s handled. Because the service is free, the business model might rely on advertising or sharing aggregated data with third parties. Poorly written software can introduce security risks, break images or video, and flood you with ads. They may also sell your personal data to advertisers or other parties.
Low level of anonymity
Many free services are far from truly anonymous. For example, some providers (like Zenmate) ask for an email address during registration. That isn’t automatically unsafe, but it does reduce anonymity and increases the amount of personal information you share. In general, free options involve trade-offs in speed, stability, and privacy. Paid services with transparent policies, independent audits, and clear privacy commitments tend to be more predictable.
Opting for proxies with pay-as-you-go traffic can be cost-effective and convenient, especially now.
Disclaimer: Use of proxy and VPN tools should comply with the laws of your country and the rules of the platforms and services you access.