In an era where online privacy feels like a rare gem, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become the ultimate shield for internet users. Whether it is accessing blocked content, securing personal data, or maintaining anonymity, the use of VPNs has skyrocketed. But with great power comes great responsibility. The question is, are we using them wisely?

The internet is like a double-edged sword as it could be a gateway to endless possibilities and a minefield of privacy risks. Whether you are browsing on your home network, scrolling through social media on your phone, or accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi, your online activity is constantly exposed to potential threats.

Imagine this: you are sipping coffee at a café, casually browsing your bank account on public Wi-Fi, unaware that a hacker is silently intercepting your data. In another scenario, picture being unable to access your favorite social media platform because your government has blocked it.

These situations are not just hypothetical; they are everyday realities for millions. Most people use a VPN to protect their online privacy and access restricted content. Nevertheless, is it a must-have or just another tech buzzword?

Let us explore the pros, cons, and real-world implications of using a VPN.

 What is a VPN anyway?

Imagine a VPN as your digital invisibility cloak. It hides your online identity, encrypts your data, and reroutes your internet traffic through a secret tunnel. It does the following things:

• Swaps your real IP address with a fake one.
• Scrambles your data into gibberish, which is unreadable to hackers, internet service providers (ISPs), or governments.

Instead of going directly to a website, your internet traffic goes through the VPN's "tunnel". The VPN server connects to the website for you and sends the information back through the tunnel. This server acts as the middleman, making you anonymous.

 How does a VPN work?

Without a VPN, your data travels naked through your ISP’s servers — exposed to snooping. However, with a VPN, you connect to a secure server (e.g. New York, London), which encrypts your data and hides your real location. Websites see the VPN server’s IP instead of yours, giving you privacy and access to geo-blocked content.

Introducing a VPN into this process alters the pathway of your data. Here's a step-by-step breakdown:

• You start by launching your chosen VPN application and selecting a server location.
• The VPN sets up an encrypted tunnel between your device and the selected VPN server. This encryption ensures that any data transmitted is scrambled, making it unreadable to unauthorized parties.
• Your internet traffic is now routed through this secure tunnel to the VPN server. From there, it exits to the broader internet, appearing as if it originates from the VPN server's location rather than your actual one.
• Responses from websites or online services follow the reverse path: they return to the VPN server, which then forwards them through the encrypted tunnel back to your device.
• This mechanism not only masks your IP address, enhancing anonymity, but also safeguards your data from potential interception.

 Pakistan’s VPN surge

Pakistan’s VPN usage skyrocketed in 2023 due to internet restrictions by the government. In May 2023, authorities blocked social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. VPN demand surged by 1,329% as citizens bypassed these blocks. On November 24-26 that year, the demand for VPN tripled during another internet crackdown.

 Some fun facts about VPNs & their usage

• Over 30% of VPN users admit they use it just to access streaming libraries from other countries.
• It’s Not Illegal! Despite what some think, using a VPN is legal in most countries, unless you’re breaking the law with it.
• VPN technology was originally created in 1996 by Microsoft to secure business networks. It was not meant for streaming or unblocking websites back then.
• VPN usage surged by over 27% during the COVID-19 lockdowns as people worked from home and wanted to secure their online activities.
• Countries like Indonesia, India, and Turkey have some of the highest VPN usage rates—often due to strict internet censorship.
• Gamers use VPNs to reduce lag by connecting to faster servers, and sometimes even to access exclusive in-game content.
• Some VPNs offer a "kill switch" feature that blocks all internet traffic if your VPN connection drops—keeping your data safe at all times.
• In some cases, VPNs can actually speed up your internet by preventing ISPs from throttling your bandwidth. This is especially useful for high-bandwidth activities like streaming or gaming.
• VPNs are banned in 30 Countries including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea to maintain control over internet access and censorship. However, some VPNs use obfuscation techniques to bypass these restrictions.

 Should you use a VPN?

Bur are VPNs necessary for your home or mobile networks? Let us dissect the benefits, drawbacks, and critical considerations to help you decide.

1.  Enhanced privacy: A VPN shields your online activity from prying eyes—including your ISP, advertisers, and hackers. By masking your IP address and encrypting data, it ensures your browsing habits, bank transactions, and personal communications remain confidential.
2. Robust security: Public Wi-Fi networks are breeding grounds for cyberattacks. A VPN creates a tunnel, making it nearly impossible for hackers to intercept sensitive data like passwords or credit card details.
3. Bypass geo-restrictions & censorship: Access global content seamlessly. VPNs let you connect to servers in other countries, unlocking region-locked streaming platforms, evading government censorship, or accessing blocked websites.
4. Cost savings: Prices for flights, hotels, and streaming subscriptions often vary by region. By switching your virtual location, a VPN can help you snag cheaper deals.
5. Prevent bandwidth throttling: ISPs sometimes slow down your connection during high-bandwidth activities like streaming. A VPN can bypass this throttling, potentially improving speed.

 When a VPN might hinder you

1. Streaming service conflicts: Platforms like Netflix and Hulu actively block VPN servers. You may need to disconnect temporarily to access content, which undermines privacy.
2. Mobile location inaccuracies: While a VPN masks your IP-based location, your phone’s GPS can still reveal your real whereabouts. Apps like Google Maps may show conflicting data, causing inconvenience.
3. Speed trade-offs: Free or poorly optimized VPNs can slow your connection due to encryption overhead or server distance. Paid services often mitigate this with high-speed servers.
4. Not 100% anonymous: VPNs don’t guarantee total anonymity. Browser fingerprinting and data-logging policies (common in free VPNs) can still expose your identity.

Tips for choosing a VPN

• Avoid free VPNs—they often sell your data.
• Use a VPN with a “kill switch” to protect your data if the connection drops.
• Pick one with fast servers and a no-logs policy.

Now the most important question, should you use a VPN?

Yes, if you value privacy, security, or accessing blocked content (like users in Pakistan).

No, if you need smooth streaming or accurate location services.

Bonus insight: Did you know 25% of global internet users rely on VPNs? From military-grade encryption origins to battling Netflix’s VPN bans.

The author is a staff member.