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Can my ISP see what I’m doing online?

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Last updated: 12 January 2022

As your internet service provider (ISP) is the one who provides your online connection, they have high-level visibility of what you do. This isn’t to say that they can log on at any time to see exactly what you’re seeing, but rather that they know what websites you visit, and when. 

This data is used to create consumer profiles to better understand customers, while it can also be packaged up and sold off to third parties. The most recognisable symptom of this will come in the form of targeted ads which use your behaviour to try and flog you stuff.

If you’re concerned about any of this, then your best bet is to use a Virtual Private Network, or VPN. VPNs hide your IP address, which means that no nosy entities (ISPs included) are able to gather any information on what you do online. VPNs can cost a fair bit of money, however, and they often limit your bandwidth, slowing your overall connection down.

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Michael Quinn

Author: Michael Quinn

Michael is a dedicated author helping usave to write guides, blogs and news for the last four years. When not writing articles, you can usually find him at wine tasting events or having a political debate on the night tube.

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