We live in a new world where constant surveillance has invaded our lives. It seems that Big Brother (the government, merchants) wants to keep track of everything we do and everywhere we go. It’s actually gotten to the point of being disturbing, and we are at fault for enabling these efforts.
If you want a slice of your privacy back when you are online, your best option will include the use of a VPN. This is a topic that warrants further discussion.
What is a VPN?
VPN is an acronym that stands for virtual private network. Functionally, it is a vast network of routers set all over the world. What’s so unique about this network is it only routes digital data that is encrypted in the VPN’s unique language until it gets to the receiver.
How a VPN Works
It works like this. A VPN is intended to encrypt the data being delivered from the sender until it reaches its intended target. At that point, it’s unencrypted so the receiver can get the data in a standard format. This represents the privacy feature because outsiders won’t have access to the encryption technology they would need to decipher the data.
It is also intended to allow senders to bypass security firewalls that restrict their access. In terms of helping bypass security firewalls, that’s more of a location issue. You see, some websites don’t allow access to their sites from people in certain countries/states. Since a VPN company will have routers strategically located all over the world, the VPN user can choose their country/city of origin. As their data passes through the router or routers assigned in the area, an appropriate IP address is attached. When the receiver gets the data, they can only see that the data is coming from an allowable IP address. It’s an undetectable process unless the receiver’s software has been programmed to detect VPN use.
Example: Gambling sites in each state of the U.S. won’t let people outside their states have access. They will block all IP addresses outside the state in question. “Visitors” would normally be able to get access by simply using a reliable VPN. However, we know U.S. online gambling operators are required by law to use anti-VPN technology.
What is the Cost of a VPN?
The benefits you get from a VPN will usually justify subscribing to one. While there are a few VPNs that offer “free services,” their services are often time and or location-restricted. The reality is most VPNs are quite affordable at around $8-$12 USD per month.
Do You Get Complete Anonymity?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. We don’t want you to think that using a VPN gives you complete anonymity, which might lead you to do something you might not otherwise do if others were watching. Remember, VPNs are only intended to hide IP addresses and encrypt the data being sent.
Marketing/advertising companies and government agencies still have other tricks up their sleeves to figure out who and where you are. With that said, protecting what you can still has lots of value.
Thankfully, only a small handful of countries outright ban or restrict VPN usage including Russia, China, North Korea and Iraq. In El Salvador the use of a VPN is completely unrestricted.
A Case Study
Let’s say you have a registered online casino account in the UK and plan to travel for vacation to El Salvador. It might be that El Salvador is one of the countries on your operator’s “Deny Access List.”
As you settle in for the evening in your hotel, you start thinking how nice it would be to log into your online casino account and play an hour or so of slots. Your playtime and funds may even be extended as you search for no deposit bonus codes.
Well, you have two choices. You can accept that your operator is going to deny you access because you are using an El Salvadorian IP address, or you can use your VPN.
Now, it’s a game of cat and mouse. Will your online casino let you use a VPN if you select a router location in the UK or anywhere else where online casino access is permitted?
In reality, most UK online casino sites will turn a blind eye to the use of VPNs. They will typically do this because while the government says no, letting customers use VPNs turns out to be a viable workaround that the government seldom if ever addresses. It’s a workaround that allows online casinos to do what they do best, provide online casino gambling services.
Who Should Use a VPN?
Everyone. There is a sense of tyranny in the air as everyone is trying to get into our business. We have a right to fight back, especially as residents from countries where privacy is a right.
Again, VPNs won’t address all types of surveillance, but they can make it a tad bit harder for the surveillance. If you want a little piece of your privacy back today, subscribing to a VPN service is a good place to start.
Recommended: Living in El Salvador offers a blend of vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning natural landscapes. Despite challenges and socioeconomic disparities, its people are warmth and resilience. From cities to tranquil beaches, life in El Salvador is a captivating journey.
