Virtual private networks are popular with privacy-conscious computer users, but the best services cost while the free ones often have hidden costs. Web browser Opera, though, has integrated a free and unlimited VPN into the developer version of its software. "Now, you don’t have to download VPN extensions or pay for VPN subscriptions to access blocked websites and to shield your browsing when on public Wi-Fi," said the company in blog post.
VPNs make it more difficult to track your web traffic
VPNs route users' internet traffic through servers in different countries, making it more difficult for governments and hackers to monitor web traffic, and allowing users to access content that might be geo-restricted to a certain country. (Letting a European user watch American Netflix, for example.) Opera quotes statistics from the Global Web Index claiming that more than half a billion people have tried or are currently using VPNs, with the service most popular among young people. To use the new service, you just need to download the developer version of Opera and activate the VPN via the preferences menu.
It's an interesting move from Opera and an obvious bid to attract more tech-savvy users. The company has previously built ad-blocking software directly into the developer version of its browser, and offering an integrated VPN plays to the same crowd.
It's also worth considering whether services like this could become more mainstream in the future. After all, ad-blocking software was originally fairly niche, but is now being used by a wider audience. Could VPNs go the same way? Opera is still the minnow of the browser world (with between one and five percent of the market depending on what stats you believe) but it could be about to have an outsized impact.
VPN options in the developer version of Opera's browser.
Opera just added a free VPN to its browser for anonymous internet access
Hood Critic
The Power Circle
The VPN isn't anonymous because they maintain connection and usage logs. It's the old SurfEasy VPN service.
Opera was purchased by a Chinese company last year and is essentially an analytics front-end for data selling.
Free isn't always good.
Opera was purchased by a Chinese company last year and is essentially an analytics front-end for data selling.
Free isn't always good.
GreenGrass
All Star
This guy speaks the truth. Probably the best VPNs are listed here - they do not keep logs
just scroll down the website
privacy tools - encryption against surveillance
Gonna need those receipts breh.
Sale was murmured recently but nothing came of it afaik.
SurfEasy was known to be no log.
Anything to support the contrary is appreciated.
Hood Critic
The Power Circle
The buy out is almost complete. Currently Golden Brick has 72% of the needed 90% shares for the acquisition to be finalized. They have extended the offer period until May 2016 to get the remaining shares. They're over paying for the company (Opera) on a complete 100% cash buyout.
Opera Software ASA : Extension of offer period for recommended voluntary cash offer to acquire 100% of the shares of Opera Software ASA - announcement made by Kunqi | 4-Traders
SurfEasy claims to be a no-log VPN but has the following in their privacy policy
So if no logging is done, how exactly would they comply with law enforcement requests?
Privacy Policy
Private Internet Access (PIA)
No logging, cheap as hell, fast, and Win10 compatible
No logging, cheap as hell, fast, and Win10 compatible
Black Bolt
Superstar
Yup, copped the £40/$60 2 year deal a few months ago. A nikka been eatingPrivate Internet Access (PIA)
No logging, cheap as hell, fast, and Win10 compatible
Sulu
Pro
Private Internet Access (PIA)
No logging, cheap as hell, fast, and Win10 compatible
Wargames
One Of The Last Real Ones To Do It
Will this work on Netflix though?
