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

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:

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.

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.

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

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).