The future of web browsers seems to lie in the security and privacy of their users.
In a surprise move, Opera and Firefox have announced the arrival of a new version of their respective browsers that will feature an integrated VPN. It is good news, no doubt, but it raises the question of whether these new types of VPNs will replace the current offerings.
Browser VPN are unfortunately limited
While the effort made by Opera and Firefox is commendable, it is unlikely that it will allow them to dethrone significant players in the market. Why not? Firstly, because the best-known VPNs today are well established, with a large number of servers spread around the world and offer multi-year subscriptions. So it will take a lot of work in the long term for Opera and Firefox to get their footprints.
Then, it does not seem that the objective of these two browsers, both resulting from free software, is not to gain market shares, but to offer ever-increasing protection to their users. Thus, it is unlikely that the strategy of Firefox or Opera is particularly aggressive. Their approach seems to be more didactic and aims to make their users aware of the importance of data protection on the internet.
Finally, VPNs integrated into web browsers do not seem, for the moment, ready to be the future of the model. Firefox and Opera offer theirs in a very limited free version that offers only 4 sessions of 3 hours of protection per month. To get better, you will have to pay. However, even if they have to pay, individuals will probably turn to the best VPNs on the market.
More active protection on browsers
Nevertheless, it would be unfair to limit the approach of Firefox and Opera to this single decision to offer a free but limited VPN in their next update. Indeed, both browsers have been increasingly determined in recent years to provide the best possible security solutions to their users.
Thus, the latest version of Opera 64 not only offers a VPN to its users, but it also comes with an ad blocker capable of blocking ad trackers that allow advertising agencies to display ads in line with your tastes. It will enable Opera to increase page loading speed.
In the same vein, Firefox has recently integrated much stricter cookie management to allow users to keep a more significant part of their browsing private. A tool so effective that some sites block access to Internet users who use Firefox, thinking they are dealing with a more classic advertising blocker.
What is a VPN?
For those who still don’t know, the VPN is one of the most important software to have when it comes to data security on the internet. This Virtual Private Network allows you to serve your connection on a page through servers located in the country of your choice.
This way, you simply change your IP address and you become much more difficult to track, but also to hack. When you use public WiFi, it is an essential solution to protect yourself from data theft, as the VPN encrypts your data. It is also handy for those who would like to access foreign catalogs of some online streaming sites like Netflix and others.
However, the importance of the VPN should not be exaggerated either. Most Internet users don’t make enough use of the possibilities offered by the net to need it. For the past few years, the VPN market has been looking for new targets and trying to convince all individuals that they need this kind of software. A VPN is never a useless investment, but it is not always necessary. Think about it before you decide.
Why should you never trust a free VPN?
On the other hand, if you want to try a VPN before you decide to see if you need one, never make the mistake of installing a free VPN found on the net. Opt instead for the trial period of a recognized paid VPN or the new solutions of Firefox and Opera.
Why should you never trust a free VPN? Because when you don’t pay, you are the product. A free VPN makes money by collecting and reselling all your information. And there are a lot of them since every page you open passes through servers that belong to it.
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