I am living with family in Arizona lately and notice their internet service provider is reading my searches and inserting their ads into my search results?!
WTF?
(SuddenLink does not seem to respect the rights of those using their internet connection for P2P as well.)
I don't have a picture of it right now, and I don't want to turn off my VPN to create one. But it's the first time I have ever seen it, and it scared the heck out of me!
The logic here:
- They read my web request, know I am attempting a search for "green apples"
- They intercept the text search results from bing.com for my search of "green apples"
- Suddenlink formatted a page in their template with their logo, with my search results to a site they do not own, for a web search they have no business reading in the first place.
WE WILL HAVE TO STAY VIGILANT TO THIS, or the internet will no longer be our own. It looks like it's going to be a fight, for something I have taken for granted for 2 decades.
I recently received this letter from a well known open-source media group (tvaddons.co):
"At this point it's safe to say that the future of the internet is not looking too promising when it comes to individual freedoms and rights. While the internet may have once been a place where the free flow of information was paramount, it is slowly being taken over by corporate interests and governmental regulations. The notion of a free and open internet will soon be forgotten, to be replaced with something that can be controlled at many different levels.
Reasons Why You Need a VPN
Privacy Protection: Your ISP keeps logs of everything you do online, do you really want them having a list of every web site you've ever visited? Using a VPN will prevent them from being able to log your internet use.
Circumvent Censorship: Countries around the world are blocking sites in the name of anti-piracy efforts, consumer protection, and even worse: to silence political dissidents. Don't let the government control your internet use!
Geoblocking: Streaming video sites around the world frequently block foreign visitors from accessing their free services. An example would be an American trying to access an Italian streaming site, or vice versa.
Torrents & P2P: When you are downloading or streaming via torrents (or SopCast/AceStream) other people on the network can see your IP Address. This could result in you receiving a nasty letter in the mail.
Recommended VPN Services
IPVanish: This very popular VPN service markets itself to Kodi users and offers native apps for both Android TV and Amazon Fire TV. Definitely worth considering! Prices start at $5.20 per month.
Private Internet Access: They are one of the most respected names in the privacy world, the only downside is that they do not yet offer native apps for Android TV and Amazon Fire TV. Prices start at $2.91 per month.
NordVPN: Another great option, NordVPN is a global leader in the VPN industry. You'll often see their commercials on TV, however they do not offer native Android TV and Amazon Fire TV apps. Prices start at $3.29 per month.
ExpressVPN: They're just released their native apps for Android TV and Amazon Fire TV, making them good contenders in the race to provide VPN services to people looking to cut the cord. Prices start at $8.32 per month.
Internet services providers used to be the ones that fought for internet freedoms, they wanted the internet to be something that could be enjoyed universally. Over the years, almost every internet service provider in the world has either been acquired by (or expanded into) larger media conglomerates who had monopolized the distribution of entertainment and media prior to the arrival of high speed internet.
We're beginning to see governments and internet services providers blocking more and more content on a daily basis. It looks like the free internet is being lost to the status-quo. At one point China was the only country that blocked its citizens from accessing an open internet, now we're seeing countries like the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Europe following suit.
The right to privacy is a fundamental human right. Free societies could exist without that right. Change could not happen without that right. Governments could not be held accountable without it. In an age where user information is considered to be a business asset, and information is shared between companies for the purposes of delivering advertising, VPN services are essential."
I agree this will require world wide vigilance over time. The best thing you can do is get a VPN right now. And participate in elections where internet privacy is being voted on in your nation.
I think it will require we all understand this issue and why it's important. And tell our family about it, and understand when and why it's happening. Recognize it's happening and do what is necessary to block it.
When I first attempted to use Private Internet Access, I found that SuddenLink had blocked all the IP addresses of all PIA servers around the world!!
At that point I was forced to try a new provider and purchased a subscription to IpVanish. This is probably the VPN I will recommend to others, because they are much more sophisticated and have 1000s of IPs they switch between, making it very difficult to block their servers! ;-)
Surf Safely!
Art by: @rocksg
I have only used a free VPN chrome plugin. I see lifelong or yearly deals on slickdeals quite often. I don't think there is a plugin for Brave Browser yet.
Are these plugins or do they work as a program before you even open up the internet?
I don't think, well I hope in all the deepest parts of myself that the internet is a battle they will not win. How far will we be pushed into the corner by them trying, before we fight back.. we will see.
What do you think of the potential for a worldwide internet service like Space X and Elon Musk are trying? It will drop prices and improve speed I am guessing at least. So that will be a victory. I am only basing that by google fiber going into big cities forcing the crap service providers to offer better services for cheaper.
Free markets are beautiful when they work right. They are crony capatalism and monopolies when they don't.
Great reply!
All good questions, anyone might need to understand, thankyou.
a) These are executable apps installed on the telephone or computer you are using. I have mine set to start with the Operating System and auto-connect to the VPN server, so mostly, I don't have to touch it, and it's always on.
b) It may be possible to use a VPN strictly for web browsing with a plug-in, but keep in mind any other programs using the internet will not be protected from your ISP prying eyes.
c) We really CAN NOT EXPECT central authorities to bless an open internet; we will have to create it ourselves in someways and the more they push, the more the public will push back.
Not entirely clear what that will look like, but I do expect a fight, which will become very hi-tech, with measures, then counter measures. This is exactly what I currently find with SuddenLink, so they are prepping me for the future fight around the world I assume.
And to me, it looks like IPvanish is at the forefront of this almost weaponized technology ;-)
FIGHTING FOR AN OPEN INTERNET, ONE ISP AT A TIME!
@surfyogi, Absolutely greatest title indeed importand conversation here. I've heard before about VPN. These days, VPN technology has made the transition from a nice thing to have to a must-have for many folks who are online.In short, there are a number of compelling reasons why you should start using a VPN, Putting WhatsApp,Skype and Snapchat services through a VPN provides a higher level of security with the inherent encryption. Online communications have evolved from simple text based emails to robust cross platform messaging services. Additionally, a VPN can be used to overcome geo blocking restrictions, so for example, continue to play a based game while traveling overseas. Also, in some cases, using a VPN will offer faster connection speeds as it could avoid throttling. Using public wi-fi can also be fraught with hazards. These include packet sniffers, falling into phishing scams via fake wi-fi connections, and being hacked or infected with malware. The good news is that a VPN technology will help protect you and your precious data from these types of attacks.Finally, a VPN can increase your level of protection against DDoS attacks.Thank you for giving valuable blog post.
THANKYOU
I was upset and not thinking about all the great uses of a VPN that can sometimes change our browsing experience, and also protect other messenger services.
a) Avoid Geo-blocking - often it is not possible in the US to view things that are freely viewed in Sweden, for example.
b) Often some sites refuse US users to view a video or item found on search. But sometimes they throttle and the video is viewable but does not view well. Simply use your VPN to log into another server in another country and this video may now be watchable!
c) Better security on public wifi, as you mentioned as well, is a huge benefit of using a VPN app.
I completely agree with you on VPN. If anyone has ever used an unsecured Wi-Fi network, they may have unwittingly passed their personal information to scammers ncluding me, that’s why I learned my lesson. Because the Network security is a tricky thing using a VPN, for example what I have is IPVanish which you mentioned is n your post, goes a long way toward making the web safer and more secure. IPVanish has many features including advanced like automatic IP address cycling, it wasn’t cheap, but it was worth it. IPVanish's special abilities was just what I needed. This was recommended by my friend who works with computer security. But for an even better experience, I recommend, actualy mr friend recommended as well “KeepSolid” VPN Unlimited, which bundles strong, flexible security into a user-friendly, affordable VPN service. But this would be litle more than I actualy needed.
Thank you for your information.
I agree with you... Internet is filled with ads , and the mode of security you can believe in .....
I personaly use IPVANISH . IP Vanish has quickly earned a reputation as one of the top VPN providers in the marketplace.They offer an extensive network that boasts over 850 servers (and counting) across more than 60 different countries.
Their VPN services are compatible with nearly every device and OS imaginable and they have dedicated apps for Windows, Mac OS, Android, and IOS , thats what makes it awesome. For the more tech-savvy users, they also allow customers to manually setup an IPVanish configuration on Window’s phones, Ubuntu, ChromeBook, and your routers.
IPVanish also supports all major VPN protocols and even allows users access to the download-free SOCKS5 web proxy.
While these prices are nowhere near as expensive as some of their more premium competitors , they are still a far cry from “Budget Friendly”.
This fact is painfully illustrated when you take a look at the pricing plans offered by PIA and many other cheaper VPNs, you’ll quickly realize that you can find other high-quality VPN providers for less than half the price of IPVanish.
I do appreciate the all-inclusive pricing and love the simplicity of their offer, but frankly, I think that IPVanish is doing their company and their clients a disservice by not offering a steeper discount on their yearly plan.
However, for you to truly determine whether or not IPVanish is worth give it a try and start believe like we do....
So which one is budget friendly then?
you are completely right. Damn it, governments prohibit the site to go to their fronts. Presently I can not get into an opposite site to government without VPN. I effectively utilized Chrome as the program. After these damn bans, I utilize the Opera program since it gives free vpn. I prescribe everybody.
There are no locales that are not restricted today. They are keeping us from going anyplace. In any case, because of Vpn, this issue remained.
About a year prior, he toppled his activity without expert and restricted every single social medium. It even restricted WhatsApp for a brief time-frame. That is the first occasion when I met VPN. Regardless i'm utilizing it. Much appreciated data and sharing @surfyogi
The free web is step by step ceasing to exist. Like you specified huge companies are assuming control over the once free web world. Facebook for example now police what I do post and advance on my Facebook page. As of late, my post have been blocked three times since it discussed Zappl, Steemit and the Steem blockchain which as indicated by them is currently precluded to advance on their site.
Another reason one needs a VPN is you protection and wellbeing. You wouldn't need somebody later on endeavoring to extort you by debilitating to convey to people in general your perusing history
VPNs provide enhanced security while online .Using a VPN doesn’t mean you’re invulnerable. You should still make sure you’re using HTTPS whenever possible, and you should still be careful about what you download. Some VPN service providers—especially mobile ones—bundle their clients with anti-malware scanners to make sure you’re not downloading viruses or trojans. When you’re shopping, see if the providers you’re interested in offer anti-malware protection while you’re connected.
Wow this is a deep message that really needs looking into.
The First Day I heard of the vpn, I have always known it to be used by scammers (made a post about it on my blog). Never knew it could be used for anything good until today.
Besides , arnt there any free VPN available? How do people who don't have money to pay for von cope? If there are free ones? Then what's so special about these ones you mentioned?
I think 1 thing to do is look for free vpn but I don't know how they work, and would not trust them anyway.
Second idea, is to share a vpn account with trusted friends, and then if everyone pays $1 USD per month, for a shared account, it is affordable.
Owh really? Never knew vpn accounts could be shared. Guess ama speak with a few of my friends then coz as you rightly said...One can't really trust these free stuffs. It might not be as strong and as secure as the paid ones.
Excellent good friend you are right you have to use in the not too distant future a vpn for security I think like you that every time will be more restricted and that many people want you to do or publish what the owner of the page wants I do not agree with that I believe in those times of the free internet where you could put what you thought I do not support what facebook did recently I am against that they forget that the users were the main thing for them to be successful I think that as users we have rights thanks for such good information about the vpn greetings success friend
This happens to me all the time. However, my own experience is slightly different. If I read about say Headphones, granted, I don't see any adverts at the moment, but any other time I try to use the internet, I will find adverts of headphones from different retailers, scattered all over my screen. This shows that that somebody has been keeping tab of the things I search for and this is very scary.
I have an evidence
I read about jollof rice that night and when I turned on my internet this morning, I was immediately greeted my adverts of delivery services of jollof rice. How is that?
This is very disheartening and discouraging. We pay for these services. Atleast we deserve some level of privacy from our providers.
I think VPN is the best voice in the game right now, this breach of security has to stop.
Thanks for this enlightenment @surfyogi
I believe what you describe, is typical marketing via whatsapp or facebook, or google, where our searches follow us around, and when we walk into a mall, we are advertised things we recently searched. This is pretty common, across services owned by a given company. One reason I use Google and Facebook as little as possible, because they follow me everywhere.
Unfortunately, using a VPN will no protect you from Google following your searches, because they have a cookie on your browser and they know who you are because you are logged in...
So there are many forms of privacy intrusion on the web/internet, and we have really only scratched the surface today.
The issues I am talking about, revolve around our ISP or Telecom provider, changing what we see from the website we are attempting to browse. This is something like "double intrusion" on my privacy. Now BOTH my ISP, and the site I am visiting, are invading my privacy and showing me ads.
It looks to me like ISPs in USA have both monopoly in their given areas, and no shame...
you are absolutely right. Damn it, governments forbid the site to come to their fronts. Now I can not get into a contrary site to government without VPN. I already used Chrome as the browser. After these damn bans, I use the Opera browser because it provides free vpn. I recommend everyone.
There are no sites that are not banned today. They are preventing us from going anywhere. But thanks to Vpn, this problem remained.
About a year ago, he overturned his job without authority and banned all social media. It even banned WhatsApp for a short time. That's the first time I met VPN. I'm still using it. Thanks information and sharing @surfyogi
Use VPN, surf safely
Been using a VPN for a while now. Hopefully, blockchain will smash a lot of this censorship. Thanks for this great article...
The free internet is gradually dying off. Like you mentioned big corporations are taking over the once free internet world. Facebook for instance now police what I do post and promote on my Facebook page. Recently, my post have been blocked three times because it talked about Zappl, Steemit and the Steem blockchain which according to them is now prohibited to promote on their site.
Another reason one needs a VPN is you privacy and safety. You wouldn't want someone in the future trying to blackmail you by threatening to bring to the public your browsing history. How safe are we when hackers can get a hand on or browsing and search pattern, then use this information to send a mail with a product that seems to fulfil your need knowing you will likely fall for it. Or maybe use the pattern to predict your future move even before you make them. Just as @surfyogi mentioned it, let's protect ourselves and surf safely.
Interesting reply.
I was not aware FB was getting so sensitive, but they have noticed I never log in there any more and I told all my friends I won't use FBmessenger either.
Well, still put up messages about the opportunities here so people should be aware and decide whether or not to try out the Steemit platform. You would be surprise to know that over 9 in every ten people who read my updates on Facebook have never heard of Steemit yet. So, I think we'll still need some people to get there once in a while as missionaries of the new kingdom.. lol.
It's really great what utopian-io are doing with the social media visibility. Through that over 10000 people have been reach just by me alone. Multiply that with the over 500 others doing the same and you could be sure to reach half of fb by end of this year.
Even I try my level best to propagate steemit..other day when I went to my friend's marriage function,i educated about this to almost 20 people and 5 out if them immediately signed up.
In btw,What actually utopian-io is? Can I contribute to it?
I always have VPN every time I go deep browsing. It always helps me in terms of online security.
I am using WindScribe for over 6 months now and I am pretty satisfied with their service and performance. Heard of IPVanish but I was hesitant to try.
I wrote an article here at Steemit related to online security and having a VPN is among the list
WOW! I never viewed it that way. I just thought the ads were something that came along with the browser. Now, I understand.
i remember checking for an item online as well, and all I kept seeing was pop up ads relating to that item. a lot of people are ignorant about this matter. thank you for this enlightening post.
I've been using VPN for a whole another reason, my ad blockers block the adds so I never see any adds, however, I can't trust my ISP and the telecommunication Infrastructure to not steal my cryptocurrency payments with a Man in the middle attack.
I hope the peer to peer internet projects become popular soon and we have an internet that doesn't go through governments and big companies, I've seen videos of small groups installing wireless hobs connected to safe internet connections to provide censor free internet to the surrounding.
Honestly this is so absurd! What won't the government do to trample on our rights? It's so unfortunate. This is very good information @surfyogi
To use a VPN means to pretect your online activity, identity and the storing data.
Bit lately i Found that VPNs can damage the phone's battery, how?!
Wel it cost an extra power to run a new monitor on your phone beside eliminating the existing IP ... But this is what i saw personally, I don't know if this happens only for me because I used a damaged VPN app or this usually happens
your experience is true, aside all those the government of some countries do the same. I don't know how long we can fight this with the use of vPN.
Which VPN to choose, what should you pay attention to??
A very good information @surfyogi, this is very useful for the crowd and especially for myself. Honestly, I do not know from before about VPN and for what purpose VPN. Because of me, just learned to know the internet. Itupun from my friends who say, that on the internet we can make money. From writing blogs and youtube, so from that I learned about how to make money on the internet and I am now still in learning to be able to do business on the internet.
After I read and understand from the article that you write this, it turns out very useful for people who have business on the internet, let our business is safe with us using VPN. I will continue to mengikuit your post, because I see a lot of knowledge that you share in your article. Thank you for sharing and hope you will be more successful to work for all the good you have done for the people ... :)
VPN secures your computer’s internet connection to guarantee that all of the data you’re sending and receiving is encrypted and secured from prying eyes. Thanks for very informative article. Resteem
Internet neutrality is needed because otherwise telecom service provider will start their own rules and charge much more which will instead affect the whole people
excellent post ..loving to your blog.thanks for sharing..
It is not ethical but true. I heard something like that before and I use VPN. The real question is that, how we trust to VPN Services? Maybe they do same thing.. anyway thanks for the recpmmendation and valuable post. All the best.
Woooww, very wonderful blog brother, and i love your fotografi😍
I am constantly using VPN. Thanks to VPN, I can roam the Internet without restriction. It makes me feel freer.
I should try one of these. This has got to stop. Really helpful post
i like your tips sir.
thank you sir for post.
Thanks for sharing this @surfyogi, that is absolutely terrible to see.. Surely that violates the new GDPR laws being set out? Surely, that's more or less a case of complete data invasion? In glad that I've been using a VPN for some years now, as I've had many issues like this in the past.
The internet is slowly becoming a data haven for advertising: 90% of the world's digital data in bytes was created in the last two years alone, and the impact of that is starting to become apparent. I'm a big believer in data ownership, as well as platforms like Steemit where data is stored on the blockchain.
Thanks for this enlightening post, I would really appreciate any feedback you have on my posts.
A very useful article ..Thank you for sharing .. i think The same our country ..
Very interesting post i'm from Queen Creek AZ, But this is why im a big fan in substratum (SUB) the crypto it is a decentralized way to share your internet cant wait for there launch
This ia very onformative blog.I never miss your blog ,every blog are containg useful information and timely usable info .i will wait for upnext
I always used VPN when I tried to download movies in our place to keep myself safe. We got free HD movies. :D
Just be careful next time. :)
İt is wonderful.
Nothing is ever safe once it gets out on the Internet and that’s why we should always be careful of what we re putting and what we are using to put it up. There are so many identity thefts out there waiting for us to slip up. I always saw the interest vPN on my phone when I try to log into the WiFi manually but never really knew anything about it
Using the VPN is not only important but something indisputable when the case concerns our security and privacy
On the one hand it should be automatic protection with the payment to the provider. I mean what are they providing you with? Risk? Makes no sense. On the other hand we must do what we can to protect ourselves from invasive forces that want to harm us. It kinda reminds me of when cable tv promised add free viewing. That was what you were paying for monthly. You paid to avoid the adds. Then, over time the adds came in and then all of the sudden you paid for 500 channels mostly loaded with ads. Thanks for promoting VPN awareness and highlighting this important privacy issue. Its very important in todays climate.
Very interesting information about vpn I understand that they use it more than anything to cheat on networks or I'm wrong friend?
Literally saying ,I'm a noob at all these things..I had heard about VPN and all,but never bothered to pay any attention..As I'm here on steemit,now it has become necessary to learn all these stuffs..It took more than a month to even understand the Steemit and its nuances!
Really thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this.I want to learn more about this and many other techniques from internet.
The government wants to limit freedom of every kind.. where are the good old days when didn't need to care about all this.
This sucks, now we can't even use internet freely.
I'll have to check one of those VPN now, I think
You are really great sir, thanx for educating me abour vpn. As always you are the best teacher of myself here and I love to have a friend like you in my steemit life. How is your life going sir?
Its very informative post, thank you. Now i start think,when i lost my first profile in steemit, maybe it was internet(probably my wife and internet not safe) fall😕thank you for good post
What you said is true. Someone complained about it the last time and i have experienced how they gave me an item as ads when i was discussing it with a friend @surfyogi
@surfyogi...............you post such a great article about VPN........i really appreciate you.............now a day 's its very necessary for our work........also a great advantage............it has more beneficial side for best use our network ......i don't finish the explanation of its benefit.....just want to say,,,VPN is the best useful system............best of luck....
well this is ridiculous from those operators they now don't even wanna let the internet neutral to damn they fear the competition
@surfyogi ...the most meaningful message regarding vpn ...since the time i beacme an internet user ,i always thought vpn to be used by spammers but now i realized that it can be used for some good things also.
Although i am one new follower to your list but came through various posts of yours ....the posts are amazing and muchhh valuable for every user....thankyou
You showing us very serious issue of internet users. I accept all contents you tole us here. A VPN is your key to unlock the internet of the world, not just your region. Better still, it gives you anonymity and a degree of online security at the same time. From our photos to our personal health records to our finances most of our lives are online nowadays. Using a VPN will provide extra encryption and security when you are transferring your personal data. Online storage solutions like Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive do a decent amount of work securing your files on their servers. However, when the files are in transit, that’s another issue altogether.Use a VPN to add extra encryption to cloud storage upload and downloads and then was preserve all storages.If you only needed one reason to get a VPN, this is it. Using a public Wi-Fi connection without a VPN is fraught with danger. Without proper protection, you’re putting yourself at risk of man in the middle attacks where hackers can access and interpret the data being sent & received from your device. I guess above points valuable for take VPN server any internet users.
well they can try to stop us but they will fail at the end to browse it ; )
time to use the proxy but does it affect the speed much