With the constant advancement of technology and its increasing presence in our daily lives, digital privacy and security have become more important than ever. With the widespread news of data breaches, everyone is concerned about protecting their personal information. If you browse the internet regularly, one of the best ways to stay safe is to use a virtual private network (VPN). While there are many VPN services on the market, they all work the same way: they create a secure connection and route your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel. This tunnel hides your identity and data from prying eyes, including your internet service provider and any third parties. Smartphone companies have also entered this field, such as Google's Pixel phones, which come with a built-in VPN. Apple has a similar service called iCloud Private Relay. A VPN protects you and your browsing, providing an additional layer of protection. Learn about it and how to activate it.
Apple and User Privacy: Step by Step
Apple has long been committed to protecting its users' data, with features like "Threat Notifications" and "App Tracking Transparency." While Apple doesn't yet offer a traditional VPN service built into its devices, it does offer a feature that closely resembles it, known as "Address Hiding via iCloud," also known as Private Relay, which protects your privacy while browsing.
Private Relay is a free service offered by Apple to all its device users. When enabled, it adds an extra layer of online security by hiding your IP address while using Safari. This means neither Apple nor any third party can see which websites you visit, and it protects your browsing data from being used for targeted advertising.
By activating the feature, you wear a digital mask. Instead of everyone seeing your activity directly, the connection passes through Apple's encrypted servers, making it harder for trackers to collect information about you. For example, if you're browsing a news site or shopping online, Private Relay ensures your private history remains secure.
However, as mentioned, this feature is only for Safari, so it won't protect you if you use other browsers like Chrome or third-party apps. In such cases, you may consider subscribing to a full-featured VPN service or a browser with a built-in VPN.
How to activate Private Relay on iPhone
Activating this feature is very easy and doesn't require any advanced skills. Here are the simple steps:
◉ Open “Settings” on your iPhone.
◉ Click on your Apple ID account name.
◉ Select “iCloud” from the menu.
◉ Scroll down until you find the “Private Relay” option, click on it, then turn on the button to activate the feature.
Once you activate the service, you'll notice increased protection while browsing the Internet using Safari.
Once enabled, Private Relay will immediately begin protecting you while browsing in Safari. If you encounter any issues, make sure your iCloud account is active and your device is updated to the latest version of iOS. These simple steps can make your browsing experience safer, especially in public places like coffee shops or public networks.
Ultimately, Apple's Private Relay feature is a great step in the right direction to protect user privacy without complicating the process, especially for Safari users. While it may not be a complete replacement for traditional VPN services, it provides a good level of protection for everyday use, especially for those who primarily rely on the Safari browser.
Remember that digital privacy has become a necessity, not a luxury, in this modern age. Blackmail and criminal behavior resulting from infringement on others' privacy are not far from your mind. This is not to mention the inconvenience caused by ads and other activities based on your online behavior. It's great to see major tech companies like Apple, Google, and others taking this issue seriously and providing free tools to protect their users.
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