IP Address & Privacy - What You Need to Know to Ensure Online Privacy

An IP (Internet Protocol) address is one of the major identifiers of devices connected to the network and/or the internet. For the unfamiliar, an IP address is composed of four groups of numbers 0 to 255 separated by a dot (e.g., 192.168.0.1). Each connected device is assigned a unique IP address to ensure smooth data transactions within the network. Devices connected to the internet are also given a unique IP address for better data transmission and location identification.

Online users have raised privacy concerns because their IP address can reveal their locations. The rise of VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, is evidence that online users are wary of exposing their locations, as VPNs encrypt their data and conceal their true IP addresses.

More than Just an IP Address

The rise of VPNs is concerning websites and other online services for many reasons. Tracing the user's actual location is useful for websites for advertising purposes, while online services rely on the IP address to determine the availability of their services. For example, Netflix limits the availability of movies and TV shows in certain countries. Sports streaming services also block certain users from specific countries due to copyright restrictions.

An IP address is not the only data available for browsers, websites, and other online services. According to the Information Commissioner’s Office, personal online identifiers include the following:

●     MAC Addresses

●     Advertising IDs

●     Pixel Tags

●     Account Handles

●     Device Fingerprints

A collection of this important data can easily create a personal profile of the online user. Even if the IP address is encrypted, an app or website can still identify the user using only the available information provided. When it comes to location, online services and websites don’t have to know the users' EXACT location - they just need an approximate location to determine the services they can offer.

Aside from the available data online, a user's online behavior also provides helpful information about location and other interests, ultimately creating an online profile.

According to Dixie Sun News, the following are also monitored for profiling:

●     Browsing Patters

●     Location Estimations

●     Interest Models

Apps and websites have a clear picture of their users' browsing habits and interests. They use the data to feed into that interest and keep the user engaged with their websites and apps. Even without the IP address, they still know what their users want based on their past engagements.

Protecting Your Information Online

It’s nearly impossible to hide all your personal information online and achieve total anonymity. However, there are ways to limit what can be shared online. Using a VPN and privacy-focused browsers is recommended for security and privacy.

But tools alone cannot shield your personal information if you actually post it online. As much as possible, never post anything related to your home, work, or family that will reveal your identity. Social media apps and websites are a goldmine of personal information because people willingly share their personal information and interests there. Deleting your personal information on these types of websites is a great start in achieving online privacy and anonymity.