Many VPN companies claim 'Total Privacy' with '100% security' which is completely false
VPNs can only hide your internet interaction from your local ISP. A VPN does not make you anonymous, and does not give you any additional security.
Kitboga, a youtuber, makes a good video on this, as he mentions all the various reasons why a VPN isn’t always the best idea.
This does not mean a VPN is completely useless though, it has its place, and it can improve privacy when it is used correctly. The problem is that 90% of VPN users don’t know how to use a VPN in a manner that would benefit them.
Note that VPN privacy isnt much different to using the TOR network either. Your connection maybe encrypted, but the website and equipment at the end of the connection knows what your doing.
VPN
Pros..
- Stops your local ISP seeing your internet activities
- Good for accessing GEO blocked website content
- Makes ad tracking a little more difficult
Cons..
- Does not fix your online privacy
- Does not give you security
- Does not stop viruses
- Does not stop hacks
- Does not stop browser history
- Does not stop online tracking
- You will lose your anonymity if you connect to any social websites
- Most VPN will slow down your connection
- VPN companies can easily gather data
- VPN companies have cooperated with the government
