The Dark Side of VPNs: Privacy Saviour or Criminal’s Cloak?

Many people nowadays are looking for a great method to keep their online data and activity safe. VPNs have emerged as a very popular option for online security, privacy, and speed. However, with any great service, there will always be people who misuse it to their advantage. The dark side of VPNs is that IP masking is often used for geo-piracy, online fraud, or other cybercrimes.

What Is A VPN?

A VPN, commonly known as a Virtual Private Network, is a service that offers security and anonymity through IP masking and data encryption. A VPN essentially secures your entire online connection.

When connected to a VPN, all your internet traffic is routed through a VPN server that masks your IP address and hides your identity. Your traffic is also routed through an encrypted tunnel that keeps it safe from prying eyes such as the government, your ISP (Internet Service Provider), and hackers. Even if someone gains access to your data, they will have a hard time deciphering it without the decryption key.

What Are VPNs Usually Used For?

There are various reasons why people use VPNs, but here are the most common ones:

• Security: People want a service that provides a sense of security and privacy for everyday online activities.
• Prevent Tracking: By using a VPN, your IP address is masked, preventing websites, advertisers, and even your ISP from tracking your online activity.
• Prevent Throttling: ISPs often track your activities and may throttle your internet if you’re using high bandwidth services like streaming. Hiding your IP address can help avoid this.
• Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi presents many threats in the form of hackers and cybercriminals. Using a VPN helps hide your location and keeps your online traffic safe from malicious users.
• Geo-Restricted Content: VPNs can be used to bypass region-specific content restrictions.

What Are Some Darker Reasons VPNs Are Used For?

Despite the many great reasons for using VPNs, there are also several concerning ways in which they are misused:

The Dark Web

Some people use VPNs as a stepping stone for accessing the Dark Web. While Tor handles anonymity on the Dark Web, VPNs are often used to provide an extra layer of protection by securing the initial connection.

The Dark Web is often used to access whistleblower platforms—but also to obtain drugs, weapons, or stolen data. It’s a common marketplace where hackers sell stolen information.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with using a VPN for extra security while browsing the Dark Web. The issue arises when malicious users take advantage of this anonymity for illegal activities. In such cases, VPNs make it harder for authorities to identify the perpetrators.

Piracy

VPNs are often used to access geo-restricted content—say, for example, you want to watch a film available on the US version of Netflix. By switching to a US server, the VPN allows you to access it.

However, the problem arises when VPNs are used to mask piracy—whether it’s software, music, or movies. These actions are illegal, and VPNs make it more difficult for authorities to identify and catch offenders.

Even streaming via illegal websites becomes harder for ISPs to detect when a VPN is used.

Bypassing Censorship

Countries like China, Iran, and Russia have strict firewalls that block many online services, including social media and even search engines like Google. Many people in these regions use VPNs to bypass such censorship.

This can be seen as a positive use—especially when journalists use VPNs to access and share truthful, uncensored news.

However, many governments consider this a crime, and doing so could result in fines or imprisonment. It’s always wise to follow the laws of the country you’re in to avoid serious consequences.

Does The Dark Side Of VPNs Make It A Bad Tool?

No—the blame lies with those who misuse the tool. VPNs are generally respected tools that enhance online security and privacy. When used as intended, they serve an important and legitimate purpose.

That said, not all VPNs are trustworthy. Some free or cheap VPN services have been found to contain malware or collect users’ data and sell it to third parties—sometimes even on the Dark Web.

Choosing a trusted VPN is crucial. Look for providers that offer strong privacy policies, don’t log data, and are transparent about their operations. Comparing factors like speed, security, and privacy can help you make a safe choice.

How Are These More Questionable Usage Being Tamed?

Some governments are actively trying to curb VPN misuse. For example, Russia has banned VPNs entirely, and China is cracking down on VPN users. While this can help reduce abuse, it may also push people towards untrusted or underground VPN services.

In the UK, efforts are more focused on tackling piracy and cybercrime. However, VPNs make it harder for authorities to trace those involved in illegal activities.

Ultimately, the person who can make the biggest difference is the user. If more people choose to use VPNs responsibly, the technology can continue to be a force for good.

Education about the ethical use of VPNs and the consequences of misuse can also help prevent abuse.

Is VPNs A Necessary Evil?

VPNs are not inherently evil. When used for the right reasons—like online banking, privacy from ISPs, or protection on public Wi-Fi—they are incredibly useful. Problems arise when they’re misused for piracy, malicious activities on the Dark Web, or bypassing lawful restrictions.

They’re not good or bad in themselves—they reflect the intentions of the user.

Next time you use a VPN, ask yourself: what am I trying to hide today—and is that something I should be hiding?