Stop! Don’t Let ISPs Sell Your Data – Here’s How to Block It

3. Change ISP Default DNS

ISP DNS Dangers:

  • Every time you visit a website (e.g., google.com), ISPs translate the domain name to their IP address via their DNS.
  • This means that your ISP knows all the sites you visit, even if you’re using HTTPS!

How to Set Up Alternate DNS:

A. On your phone (Android/iOS):

  1. Go to Wi-Fi > Settings.
  2. Long-press the Wi-Fi network > Modify Network.
  3. Select Manual DNS, enter:
    • Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4
    • Cloudflare DNS: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1

B. On PC (Windows):

  1. Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
  2. Click Change adapter settings > select an active connection.
  3. Properties > IPv4 > enter your preferred DNS.

– Use DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) in your browser (Firefox/Chrome) for extra encryption.
– DNS leak test at https://dnsleaktest.com.

4. Only Visit HTTPS Sites – Protect Data from ISPs

HTTP (Not Secure):

  • Data is sent raw, readable by ISPs, hackers, or third parties
  • The ISP looks at the entire activity (form input, login history, etc.)
  • Example: http://situsbank.com/login (high risk!)

HTTPS (Locked):

  • Using SSL/TLS encryption
  • ISPs only know the domain name (example: tokopedia.com), and can’t see specific pages or content
  • Marked with a padlock 🔒 in the address bar
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5. Take Advantage of Proxies – A Simple But Risky Option

When Are Proxies Useful?

  • Bypass of light blocking (e.g., sites blocked at school/work)
  • Hide real IP quickly (but not as secure as a VPN)
  • Access georestricted content (example: YouTube videos that are only available in the US)

Key Risks of Proxies:

  1. No encryption. Traffic remains readable ISP/hacker if the proxy does not use SSL
  2. Proxy owners can steal data. Many free proxies keep logs and sell user data
  3. Malware & Ad Inject. Untrusted proxies often insert malicious pop-ups

Proxy Recommendations (if forced):

  • Paid Proxies: Luminati, Smartproxy
  • Free (Be careful): Hide.me, ProxySite

FAQ: Important Questions About ISPs and Internet Privacy

Can ISPs see Incognito history?

Yes, you can! Incognito/private browsing mode only deletes the history on your device, but:

  • ISPs keep track of all sites visited through DNS logs.
  • If you’re signed in to your account (example: Google/Facebook), your activity is still monitored.
  • Solution: Use VPN + Incognito for maximum privacy.

Which VPN is the Most Secure?

Here are the recommendations for no-log & reliable VPNs  for Indonesian users:

1. NordVPN

  • Pros: Fast servers, double encryption (Double VPN).
  • Suitable for: Streaming, torrenting.

2. ExpressVPN

  • Pros: Not blocked by Telkom/IndiHome, obfuscated server.
  • Suitable for: Bypass tight sensors.

3. ProtonVPN

  • Pros: Swiss base (strict privacy laws), free for beginners.

Avoid free VPNs like TurboVPN or HolaVPN because they risk data leaks.

How do you know ISP is throttling?

Features of ISPs performing throttling:

  • The speed suddenly drops drastically when:
    • Stream Netflix/YouTube (especially in 1080p/4K resolution).
    • Download torrents or large games.
  • Test with a VPN: If the speed is normal when using a VPN, it means that the ISP is deliberately slowing down.
  • Detection tools: Use [LibreSpeed](https://librespeed.org) or Wehe App (check throttling video/music).

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