this post was submitted on 22 Jun 2023
1 points (100.0% liked)
VPNs
1 readers
1 users here now
For discussion of virtual private networks (vpns), their uses, which are best, etc.
Rules:
Don’t be a dick
founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
VPNs don't really help with online safety nowadays. Nearly all websites are encrypted, so you don't have to worry about someone on your WiFi network stealing your data. VPNs are reasonable for getting around location blocks with streaming services (e.g. watching a UK-only show on Netflix while in America), but some streaming services are wisening up. VPNs can be helpful for piracy, but I'm not sure if they are necessary. If you are torrenting, set your client to "require encryption", and disable DHT and all local peer discovery.
I barely trust paid VPNs. I definitely don't trust free ones.
You probably don't need a VPN.
VPNs for torrenting pirated stuff is 100% necessary if you don't want your 'net cut off. AFAIK encryption doesn't get around that.
Depends on the country, but for the US, absolutely.