Your internet browsing activity history can be tracked and exploited by ISPs. ISPs can sell the data for their profit.
ISP (Internet Service Provider) is a company or organization that provides internet access to users. ISPs usually provide internet services in various forms, such as cable, DSL, wireless, and satellite connections.
Most of your Internet activity and data usage can be seen, tracked, and stored by ISPs. They can also see what you buy, the contents of your email, your location, and even your password. According to the ISP, this is logged to comply with country regulations and to improve user experience.
If you don’t want your ISP to know what you do on the Internet, there are several ways to avoid or block it. In this tutorial, we will show you how to prevent your ISP from monitoring your traffic and data usage.
Why is your ISP tracking you?
Why is your ISP monitoring you? The commonly stated explanation is to improve the customer experience. However, there are times when ISPs gain from the monitoring data.
1. Store user data under applicable laws.
Some countries have strict data retention rules, in which case ISPs must collect user data for a certain time. This can include user browsing data, location, social media communications, payment card details, and so on. This information is of great value to governments and law enforcement agencies and can be used to combat illegal activity, and terrorism.
2. Set boundaries
In terms of internet access, several countries have quite strict regulations. Certain websites that do not comply with state regulations are restricted by the government. These can be sites for gaming, downloading, or torrenting. ISPs may be required to monitor their users and identify their connections.
3. Selling information for profit.
ISPs can benefit from marketing your information. User browsing data, location, social media communications, and so on have a high selling point. Marketers will spend a lot of money to get that information from ISPs and target you with campaigns and advertisements on sites you visit frequently.
4. Bandwidth limitation
Some ISPs are also sneaky enough to offer “unlimited plans” but then slow down your speed. Many ISPs place restrictions to increase profits at the expense of quality of service. For example, they may limit your connection to certain websites because you play online games or select content from their competitors over theirs. ISPs can take advantage of this scenario to provide more expensive plans with a higher quality of service.
How to block ISPs tracking your traffic and data usage
How to stop ISP spying, tracking your activity and data usage
1. Using a VPN
VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that allows users to connect to the internet safely and privately. Virtual Private Network is the best method to access the internet without being monitored by your ISP.
VPN works by encrypting data that is sent from the user’s device to the VPN server so that this information cannot be read or accessed by unauthorized persons. VPN redirects your data through the VPN server and hides your IP address with a new IP address.
There are many VPN applications that you can get on the internet, from free to paid ones. Use a trustworthy and reputable VPN on your device. Apart from that, a VPN protects you from malware, hackers, marketers, and data criminals and allows you to view geo-blocked websites.