There are many reasons you might want to stay anonymous online. No matter your reason, there are various methods you can use to limit the chances of other people finding out your personal identity from your digital one.
If you want to stay anonymous online, you need to check out this ultimate guide.
Importance of online anonymity
Knowing how to stay anonymous online is crucial to protecting your digital and actual identities. If unprotected, other online users can find your name, address, and even place of work.
With so much at risk, it should be clear why keeping your identity protected while online is so important.
Tools and techniques for maintaining anonymity
If you want to stay anonymous while online, there are several tools which can boost your security. Using these tools either together or separately can help increase your protection, hiding your identity more effectively than simply using your mobile’s built-in browser.
Privacy-Focused Browsers
Certain internet browsers, like Firefox, Vivaldi, and others, offer additional privacy protections, especially when compared to Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Safari. As the first browser with a private browsing mode, Firefox is a non-corporate option that always seeks to protect your data. In fact, it can even store cookies separately, which prevents the site from sharing your data.
VPNs and other encryption tools
Perhaps one of the best ways to keep your internet activities secure is by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). If you’re wondering, “What does a VPN do?”, the answer is that it encrypts your data stream before sending it to a server somewhere else around the world. This server then operates like your device, and the encryption ensures that no other devices can spy on your data while it’s being transmitted.
The Onion Router (TOR)
If you need even greater anonymity while online, you might want to consider using TOR. Using a complex system, TOR uses layered nodes to hide IP addresses, online data, and browsing history. TOR is one of the few browsers that can access the dark web, but since the dark web can be dangerous, we strongly advise against visiting any sites found there.
Legal and ethical considerations
Of course, it’s no secret that some may choose to use this anonymity to abuse and harass others online. On the other hand, many do not wish for their government (or other users) to be able to spy on them and infringe their privacy.
A careful balance needs to be found between giving the public access to anonymity and preventing unfair attacks without repercussions. Currently, US laws establish the right to speak and read anonymously while online.