Will a VPN prevent apps from tracking Me?
We live in an age where apps know everything about you: your location, your browsing history, and a lot more. Many people ask if a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can truly prevent apps from tracking them. While a VPN is powerful for online privacy, it’s not a complete barrier against app-based tracking.
What does a VPN really do?
A VPN works by masking your IP address, encrypting your internet traffic, and routing it through a server in a location of your choice. This can effectively hide your online activity from prying eyes, such as hackers or even internet service providers (ISPs). However, apps on your device don’t rely solely on IP addresses to gather information. Many applications use other methods to track you that a VPN cannot fully block.
Apps and data tracking beyond your IP address
Even with a VPN, apps can still access certain types of data. Some common tracking methods include browser fingerprinting, cookies, and device identifiers. These techniques can reveal details about your device, location, preferences, and behaviours—even if your IP address is hidden. For instance, a unit conversion app could still recognise the specific device you're using, track your usage patterns, and collect your location through permissions you may have enabled.
Must read: How well does a VPN protect you from viruses?
VPNs and limitations on complete privacy
While a VPN can significantly improve your privacy, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. A VPN masks your real IP address by replacing it with one from the VPN server, but apps can still detect the IP address from the VPN server. Moreover, although VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, some applications may still gather non-encrypted data or bypass VPN protocols, making it possible to collect basic information despite your best efforts.
Tips for enhancing App privacy
If you’re concerned about app tracking, combining a VPN with other privacy strategies can help. Here are some useful tips:
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Check app permissions: Before installing an app, check its permissions and consider whether the data access it requests aligns with its purpose. For instance, a unit conversion app doesn’t need access to your location.
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Read privacy policies: Many apps disclose their data collection methods and how they share data with third parties. Seek out those with transparent policies that respect your privacy.
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Use privacy-focused browsers: Browsers that block third-party cookies and trackers can limit some forms of data collection, and clearing your browsing history and cache regularly adds an extra layer of security.
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Choose a reliable VPN: A quality VPN like Hide Expert VPN can offer better encryption and reliability than free services, which often have slower speeds, ads, and even questionable privacy policies.
Read on: Beware malware posing as beta versions of legitimate apps.
Final thoughts
A VPN is a valuable tool for improving online privacy, but it doesn’t make you completely anonymous to apps. Apps may still collect data through permissions, device identifiers, and cookies, so taking extra privacy precautions is key. By using a VPN, adjusting app settings, and being mindful of what you download, you can boost your online security and take better control over your data.