Anonymity Series: Reasons why hiding your IP address might be of interest to you

Every computer/mobile device is assigned a numerical label called the Internet Protocol (IP) address by your Internet Service Provider (ISP).  Your ISP could be BT, Sky, or Vodafone to name a few examples.  When accessing any website online, the web host can see where you are located and can track your activity while you visit their site, and even after you leave to browse something else.

As websites can track what we are doing, and where we are browsing from, and even who we are, there may be times when you want to hide your IP address.

In this anonymity series, I give you reasons why you may want to hide your IP address

1/  Browse websites without leaving a trace of your identity. 

Hiding your real IP address via encryption, allows you to be anonymous when browsing online.  This is useful if you live in China and want to access a website which is blocked by the Chinese authorities.  Using a fake IP address from Europe can allow you access to that website from China.

2/ Access to streaming, wherever you are. 

Missing a favourite show on holiday?  BBC iPlayer can only be accessed in the UK by UK licence fee payers.  Hide your IP using a VPN and connect to the desired country server to enjoy streaming as if you never left home.

3/ Stay safe from snoopers looking to access your information. 

Hiding your real IP address gives you a great layer of protection online, because you disguise your real location.  This is useful if you write an anonymise blog or have alias social media accounts and do not want to be caught out.

4/ Protect yourself when using a Wi-Fi hotspot. 

Wi-Fi hotspots are unsecured and open to everyone.  Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service allows you to hide your IP from an unprotected networks, where hackers could be lurking.

5/ You can by-pass college or workplace restrictions. 

If you switch to an IP address provided by a VPN service you can by-pass network restrictions to access information you need.  This is useful when in Starbucks where certain sites are blocked.

6/ You can by-pass surveillance and national internet censorship. 

Hiding your IP address allows you to hide your internet activity from companies and organisations who might wish to track your activity online. 

7/ You get to keep your private searches private. 

Hide your IP and hide your activity from search engines who track and store data on your activity. Do not forget to clear your cookies after every browsing session, even while using a VPN service.

8/ Access to internet freedom. 

The internet was envisioned as a platform for all to use and modify as they wish.  Creativity, innovation, education, communication and exchange of ideas are inseparable from the freedom the internet offers.  Hiding your IP would guarantee the privacy and right to expression online.

There are a number of country specific regulations that are constantly changing.  If the websites you wish to access are blocked, information you want to keep private is at risk to being exposed, or if you need a secure gateway to access information, then hiding your IP is the key to your internet freedom.