Does a VPN Stop Tracking? What You Should Know

  • By Farrukh Mushtaq

    Farrukh Mushtaq

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    Farrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.

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  • 15 August 2024
  • 7 mins read

In this blog, we'll explore how VPNs work, their limitations for privacy, and their effectiveness in protecting your online activities. With over 30% of users relying on VPNs, we'll see if they really prevent websites and companies from tracking you.

What Is the Impact of Using a VPN on Online Tracking?

A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your connection, making it harder for websites and trackers to see your location and activities. This enhances your privacy while browsing.

However, it doesn’t ensure complete anonymity. Websites can still track you through your logged-in accounts, and methods like cookies can follow you even with a VPN.

What Types of Information Are Accessible Without a VPN?

IP AddressYour IP address, which reveals your general location and ISP, is visible without a VPN.
Browsing HistoryWebsites and online services can track your browsing history and activities.
Location DataWithout a VPN, your physical location can be determined based on your IP address.
Personal InformationAny personal information you provide to websites or services can be accessed and used for tracking.
Cookies and Tracking PixelsCookies and tracking pixels placed by websites can collect data about your online behavior and preferences.
Device InformationInformation about your device, such as browser type and operating system, can be collected and used for tracking.

Why Is It Important to Use a VPN to Prevent Tracking?

Using a VPN is important for preventing tracking because it:

Hides Your IP Address

A VPN masks your real IP address, making it harder for websites and advertisers to identify and track you based on your location and online behavior.

Encrypts Your Data

It encrypts your internet traffic, protecting your data from being intercepted by third parties like hackers or your ISP.

Reduces Behavioral Tracking

By masking your IP address, a VPN makes it more difficult for websites to follow your browsing behavior and collect detailed information about your activities.

Enhances Privacy

A VPN helps safeguard your personal information and browsing history, reducing the risk of it being used for targeted advertising or sold to data brokers.

How Can You Use a VPN to Prevent Online Tracking?

To use a VPN to prevent online tracking, follow these steps:

  • Choose a reliable VPN service and install its app on your device.
  • Open the app and connect to a VPN server. 
  • This hides your real IP address and uses the VPN’s IP address instead, making it harder for websites to track you.

Always turn on your VPN when browsing the internet to protect your privacy. Many VPNs also block ads and trackers, helping to keep your online activities private. 

For even better protection, consider using PurePrivacy to enhance your online privacy by blocking trackers and ads, offering a more comprehensive solution.

Shield Your Information Against Online Trackers 

PurePrivacy is an app designed to block third-party trackers and advertisements from monitoring your online activity. It prevents trackers from communicating with their websites, ensuring that your personal information remains private.

Prevent Identity Fraud with Dark Web Monitoring

It scans the dark web for exposed personal information and alerts you to potential threats.

Scan Your Social Media Accounts

Use PurePrivacy to scan your accounts for privacy concerns and receive suggestions to improve your settings.

Prevent Data Sharing & Online Tracking

It blocks the communication between trackers and their websites, so your personal information isn’t shared with advertisers.

Reduce Targeted, Intrusive Ads

By stopping trackers, PurePrivacy helps you avoid personalized ads that are based on your browsing habits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Does a VPN stop all forms of online tracking?

    Plus

    A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your data, making it harder for sites to track you by location. But it can't stop all types of tracking. To boost your protection, use PurePrivacy to block trackers and ads.

  • Does a VPN make me completely anonymous online?

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    A VPN hides your IP address and boosts your privacy, but it doesn't make you fully anonymous. Advertisers can still track you using cookies and other methods.

  • Can a VPN stop tracking if I use social media?

    Plus

    A VPN hides your IP address on social media but doesn’t stop tracking by cookies. Combine it with PurePrivacy to block these trackers and improve your privacy.

  • Will my personal information still be collected with a VPN?

    Plus

    A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your data, but websites can still collect your personal information.

  • Can a VPN be used with other privacy tools?

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    Yes, a VPN works great with other privacy tools like PurePrivacy, which blocks trackers and ads for enhanced protection.

  • Simplify your online presence today

    With PurePrivacy, make sure all your personal data remains safe without a hassle!

In Conclusion 

A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts data but doesn’t stop all tracking methods like cookies. To boost your protection, use PurePrivacy, it blocks additional trackers and keeps your online activities private.