Internet usage has been on the rise for years, and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. From connecting people to each other around the world to providing readily-available information in a matter of seconds, it has become a tool that most people can’t live without. According to Statista, 98% of the UK population used the Internet daily as of January 2024. So where exactly do VPNs fit in, and more importantly, are they legal to use?
What Are VPNs?
Along with the worldwide increase in Internet usage, the need for online privacy and security has also increased. A VPN (virtual provide network) is a technology that can be installed on your devices to encrypt your data by changing your IP address when using public Internet connections. The aim of a VPN is to create a secure connection that will protect your information and transactions from trackers. Public Internet connections can be risky to use, and you can easily become a target for cybercrime. By using a VPN, you can surf the Internet securely and minimise your risk of having your information stolen.
How Do VPNs Work?
When you use the Internet, data is transferred between the device that you are using and the websites that you are looking at. VPNs are used to reroute your device’s Internet connection using a private server as opposed to a public network. As a result, your data becomes encrypted. It provides a virtual IP address for you to conceal your actual location, any sensitive data and your browsing history. Depending on which country that you are in, not all content may be available to you. By using a VPN, you can set your location to elsewhere and bypass restrictions to access content. VPNs are made up of three components to protect your Internet browsing. These are encryption, tunneling and IP address masking.
Encryption
When you connect to the Internet using a VPN, the first thing that will happen is that your data will be encrypted. This means that any information that is being transferred to and from your device is changed to a code that is only known to your VPN service provider. This prevents any third parties or lurking hackers from intercepting your information and using it for criminal purposes.
Tunnelling
In order to create secure connections, a VPN creates a tunnel for Internet traffic to pass through when it is sent and received from your devices. It becomes a barrier to outside unauthorised access and shields your information to keep it private and secure.
IP Address Masking
Once you have connected to a VPN service provider, your actual IP address becomes hidden. When you use a website, it can only see the VPN of the provider instead of yours, making you virtually anonymous. Therefore, you can use the Internet incognito and also have access to a wider variety of content and streaming options.
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Are VPNs Legal?
The biggest misconception surrounding the use of VPNs is whether it is actually legal to use or not. It is legal to use VPNs in the United Kingdom, as well as the United States, Canada and most European countries as long as you comply with the relevant laws and you are not using them for any illegal activities. The UK’s Data Protection Act 2018 states that all individuals should have control over their personal data. When it comes to protecting this data through the use of VPNs, it is allowed. Using VPNs to access content that isn’t available in the country is also generally accepted.
Are VPNs Safe To Use?
It may seem like a contradiction to protect your data by readily giving it to VPN service providers, but they are completely safe to use. Cybercriminals have become incredibly sophisticated in their tactics for stealing information online. This means that almost anyone who uses the Internet can become a target.
The UK Government reported that 50% of businesses have experienced a cyber-security threat, and data breaches can have costly consequences. It’s not only businesses that are targeted, individuals can have their identity stolen or their passwords accessed when transacting online. VPNs have become a reliable, cost-effective solution for companies and individuals alike to protect their data and add an extra layer of security.
Considerations Before Using A VPN
If you want to use a VPN, there are some factors to consider before doing so. Firstly, you should opt to use a paid service provider. Free VPN software isn’t always free as these companies still need to cover their expenses, and can sell your data to third parties in order to do so.
Secondly, it’s important that you check the privacy policy of a VPN service provider before you choose to utilise their services. You should verify with the service provider what data is kept private and what data is recorded and kept. Lastly, you should know which country your VPN is from to ensure its compliance with the relevant country’s laws. Some countries require service providers to give your data to authorities, and this can affect your privacy.
