Why is a VPN used by individuals?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is primarily used by individuals to hide their online activity and secure their connection. This technology encrypts the data that travels between the user’s device and the VPN server, making it difficult for anyone—such as hackers, advertisers, or government agencies—to monitor or track the user's internet activity.

Additionally, by masking the user's IP address, a VPN provides an added layer of anonymity, making it more challenging to link online activities back to the individual. This is particularly important in a world where privacy concerns are paramount, as many seek to protect their sensitive information from potential exposure.

While individuals may have various expectations from a VPN, including enhanced privacy and security, the options that imply a significant increase in internet speed, access restricted only to local content, or faster file sharing do not accurately capture the primary purpose and functionality of a VPN. Typically, a VPN may actually have a slight impact on internet speed due to the encryption process and routing over potentially longer paths.