Have you ever felt that advertising on the internet is too personal, as if you know what you’re looking for or even your private chat? ISP (Internet Service Provider) You might be the mastermind! Every time you go online, your internet service provider can record your browsing history, location, and passwords without you knowing.
98% of ISPs retain user metadata for at least 3 months, as per government regulations. This data is not only used for legal compliance, but is also often sold to third parties for advertising targets, bandwidth restrictions, and content censorship. Imagine: your online shopping, streaming, and even WhatsApp conversations can be easily tracked!
But don’t worry! Bardimin will unpack 5 surefire tricks to bypass ISPs, ranging from a secure, free VPN to secret DNS settings and how to use Tor Browser. With these handy steps, you can surf the internet freely, quickly, and without fear of being spied on.
Ready to take back control of your digital privacy? Let’s get started!
How Do ISPs Track Your Activity?
ISP (Internet Service Provider) is an internet service provider. They act as “gatekeepers” who control all your internet traffic from accessing websites, sending emails, to streaming videos.
While they may seem “ordinary,” ISPs have some sophisticated ways to monitor your online activity:
1. Log Browsing History
Every website you visit is stored in your ISP’s database, including:
- Full URL (example: tokopedia.com/search/handphone)
- Access time & duration
- This data can last for months according to the provider’s policy.
2. Bandwidth Monitoring (Throttling)
ISPs can see how much data you’re using to:
- Streaming (YouTube, Netflix)
- Torrenting
- Video call (Zoom, Google Meet)
- If it exceeds the “reasonable” quota, ISPs often slow down the connection (throttling).
3. Metadata Storage
- Even if you don’t see the content of the message, your ISP knows:
- Who you’re emailing (sender/recipient address)
- Apps used (WhatsApp, Telegram)
- Device location (via IP address)
5 Effective Ways to Block ISP Tracking
Your ISP may be able to monitor your internet activity, but you can fight it! Here are five powerful methods to secure online privacy and stop ISP tracking:
1. Use a VPN – Privacy Solution 1
VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the main weapon against ISP tracking. Here’s how it works:
How a VPN Protects You:
- Data Encryption: All internet traffic is randomized so that your ISP can’t read what you’re accessing.
- Hide Your Real IP: A VPN replaces your IP address with a server in another country, making your activity untraceable.
- Open Blocked Sites: Access restricted content such as Netflix US, torrent sites, or banned platforms.
Best VPN Recommendations:
| VPN | Excess | Price |
| NordVPN | High speed, multiple servers | IDR45,000/month |
| ExpressVPN | Strongest, stable encryption | IDR120,000/month |
| ProtonVPN | Free (no logs) | Free & Premium |
– Avoid free VPNs like HolaVPN or TurboVPN as they often sell user data.
– Choose a “No-Log” VPN that doesn’t keep your activity history.
– Test the DNS/IP leak at https://ipleak.net to make sure the VPN is working correctly.
2. Use Tor Browser – Anti-Extreme Tracking
Tor Pros:
- High Anonymity:
Tor routes internet traffic through a global network of volunteers (nodes) that encrypt data multiple times. The ISP only looks at the connection to the first node, not knowing the final destination site. - Access .onion sites:
Go to dark web websites that aren’t Google-indexed (example: independent news sites or privacy forums). - Free & Open-Source:
Developed for internet freedom, with no hidden fees.
Tor Cons:
- Super Slow Speeds:
Because data is reflected in multiple countries, streaming or downloading is almost impossible. - No Other App Support:
Only protects activity in the Tor browser, not apps like Spotify or WhatsApp. - Frequently Blocked:
Some countries sometimes block access to the Tor network.