A Virtual Private Network (VPN) ensures that you can surf the internet anonymously. Your data goes through a tunnel and is shaken there, making it unrecognizable to third parties. VPN has grown in popularity in recent years. In addition to the need for secure internet, this is mainly because it offers the possibility to watch your favorite TV programs anywhere in the world.
The number of VPN providers, such as GOOSE VPN in the Netherlands, is therefore growing steadily. Once you use VPN, you would never have to turn it off again. However, there may also be reasons to do so. When can you leave VPN on and when is it better to turn it off? The facts at a glance.
Use VPN when you want to bypass a geoblock
If you are abroad and want to watch Dutch TV programs, you often have to deal with a regional blockade, which means that the broadcast is not available. By means of a VPN connection you make contact with a server in the Netherlands and a Dutch IP address. You can therefore simply watch a broadcast because it seems as if you are in the Netherlands. Conversely, you can access the BBC iPlayer or the American Netflix from the Netherlands.
Another type of blockade takes place in countries such as Iran, China, Turkey and the Gulf States. Here the government applies censorship which keeps some news sites and social media hidden. Thanks to VPN you can still give yourself access.
Public WiFi, risky without VPN
Always make sure that your VPN is on when you are on a public WiFi network. Going online at an airport while waiting for your connecting flight is risky without a secure connection. Your data is easy to intercept and you really don't have to be a 'nerd' for that. It recently turned out that an eleven-year-old girl could do that too.
When you're concerned about your privacy
Do you feel that everything you do on the internet is being tracked? Then you should definitely use VPN. It makes you anonymous and you can get on the net without paranoia.
This privacy can also come in handy when you want to prevent a criminal offence. Do not think about all kinds of illegal practices here, because that is of course not what VPN is intended for. But there are countries such as Saudi Arabia or Qatar where it is illegal to visit an 18+ site. You could face a hefty fine or even be expelled from the country. So don't do it without the protection of VPN.
Your anonymity by means of a different IP address and location can also provide financial benefits. Many websites keep track of exactly how often you visit them and when you bought something. They usually adjust the price of their products and services accordingly. With a VPN you are an unknown visitor to this website who may be on the site for the first time. To get you excited, you sometimes get the same product or service for a lower price. The same thing happens if you appear to be visiting the site from another country.
When should you turn off VPN and why?
A VPN connection on your device is recommended if you arrange banking or pay in a webshop. The exception to this is PayPal. This service does not allow VPN traffic in their terms and blocks many VPN connections. Possibly because they don't want users to seek anonymity. When you log in or pay with Paypal, it may be better to temporarily disable your VPN connection.
The speed of your internet connection can also be a reason to sometimes turn off the VPN. After all, the process in which your data is made unrecognizable always comes at the expense of speed.
It is also advisable not to always have your VPN on when a VPN provider keeps a log. After all, you do not know what is done with this data about your surfing behaviour. Therefore, always choose a VPN service that uses a No Log Policy, such as GOOSE VPN. Do you want to know the advantages of VPN and how easy it is to use? Try GOOSE VPN now completely free!
