You might be wondering to yourself “why does internet privacy matter?”.
If you’re not using a VPN, here’s a good example of what websites can see when you visit them:
Maybe you don’t mind that Facebook gathers some of your data and stores it, or that Google might use some of your data to target yourself and other users with advertisements. But even if these companies are reputable, and even if they handle your data correctly, internet privacy is a bigger issue at large.
Internet privacy is not a singular instance, not a defined example.You can’t have privacy in some cases and not in others. Privacy, at its core, encompasses everything that you don’t want to be seen on the internet.Sometimes it’s frighteningly complicated, and it takes more work, but at the end of the day, it’s your data, and it should stay that way.
Some people think that only criminals have things to hide, but giving your data away gives powers to those that wield it. It’s too much responsibility.
In fact, we’ve seen numerous instances where users trust companies with their information to have it spilled out. Think of the Ashley Madison leak, where thousands of users had their information leaked publicly after trusting their website to hold their personal information private.
Do you remember when J-law had her pictures leaked after trusting iCloud? Before this leak, Apple ensured customers that their data was private–but that leak was indeed due to a security flaw.
It’s important that you take as many steps as you can from preventing companies, governments, or even individuals from taking your data, leaking your data, or looking at it is they, please. They don’t always have to take responsibility for your information, but you do.
Thankfully, even if a lot of people are careless with their online digital profiles or secure information, people are starting to realize that online privacy is something that does matter. Just recently, an announcement was made that over 1 million people are using the Tor network to access Facebook.
We explained what Tor was here, but in case you don’t know, it’s similar to a VPN except less powerful and slower. A VPN can help you stay more secure on Facebook by encrypting your access to the internet and hiding your IP so you’re harder to isolate amongst other anonymous VPN users.
Even if you don’t have a Facebook profile, you still have information for Facebook. They track people that have built shadow profiles by liking things, or sites that have the “like” button. They also follow IP addresses. While Facebook might not be the most secure or privacy-focused company, their acknowledgment/adoption of Tor and thus internet privacy is a good step in the right direction.
Keep in mind that more online services you use, the more information you are leaking about yourself. Some companies might try to give users more privacy and control over what they share, but you can’t sit around waiting for companies to protect your information for you. It’s only a matter of time before another Target leak or Ashley Madison diaster.
If you need help securing your internet privacy or just have questions about VPNs, come on over to our forums. Or check out this great top 5 list of the best VPNs.
