You may improve your digital privacy in a variety of ways. The simplest (or least expensive) and most successful approach, however, is to utilize a proxy browser or a proxy browser plugin.
After all, we use the web browser for practically everything, whether it’s on a desktop or a smartphone (irrespective of the platform). But, exactly, what is internet privacy? How can you use proxy web servers or proxy browsers to tackle a portion of the problem?
Before we look at some possibilities, let’s define a proxy server, how it may help you protect your privacy, and what characteristics you should seek for in a good online browser.
Using a Proxy in Web Browsers to Gain Online Privacy
Technically, any web browser may be converted into a proxy browser. You do not need to hunt for a certain browser. As a result, before learning how these browsers function, it is critical to first grasp what internet privacy is.
At its heart, your IP address and location information are two of the most important factors that advertising or internet trackers collect. Of course, this does not imply you are exposing yourself to hackers, but rather to data miners.
Advertisers and marketers obtain accurate demographics by collecting your IP address and related information. As a result, they can place efficient adverts or send you emails that appear appealing.
Yes, like with all other online trackers on a website, some of your surfing patterns, as well as device/browser information, are stored.
With all of the information gathered, you provide data-tracking businesses with an online profile. Not all organizations abuse data, yet a number of web trackers end up selling your information.
As a result, it is critical to safeguard your online privacy. True, you cannot obtain complete privacy. However, when using a web browser, it is critical to keep some of your information secret. This is when proxy web servers or browsers come in handy.
How Do Proxy Web Browsers and Servers Aid in Online Privacy?
While you can always rely on the finest VPNs or safe Chrome extensions, using a proxy might be a more cost-effective or flexible option.
A proxy hides your original IP address and allows you to choose a new one based on the server locations accessible to you. As a result, this should effectively assist you in unblocking access to sites that are prohibited in your jurisdiction.
A proxy web server may assist you to encrypt the URL, deleting cookies, and removing scripts/objects in addition to unblocking sites. In other words, it has the ability to delete a large number of tracking components from a website.
As a result, by connecting through a proxy, you secure your original IP address, location, and avoid typical tracking technology.
1. Bright Data Extension
Bright Data’s privacy browser extension should come in handy if you utilize it for data gathering and extraction. The extension is compatible with both the Chrome and Firefox browsers. To get started, you must first create an account.
It allows you to surf many web pages without disclosing your original IP address. You should be able to pick a location manually and unlock access to services/sites as needed. Unlike some other proxy software, it can submit concurrent requests from many IP addresses, allowing you to hide your original IP address while keeping your true origin secret.
Bright Data also provides home rotating proxy, datacenter proxy, data collector, and mobile proxy services.
2. Hide.me
Hide.me is a free proxy browser that allows you to unblock websites and surf privately from a variety of places.
To use the service, you do not need to register an account. In addition to the proxy network, you have the option of deleting JavaScript, encrypting the URL, and allowing/preventing cookies.
3. HideMyAss
HideMyAss (HMA) is one of the most well-known free proxy browser. It works similarly to Hide.me in that you may unlock access to sites and pick various places. In comparison, HMA offers additional server locations to select from as well as similar tools to improve your anonymity when visiting a website.
4. KProxy
Kproxy is another browser plugin that allows you to use a proxy browser for free. Signing up does not require the creation of an account. The free version, on the other hand, is limited to specified places. So, if you need to remove the limitations, you may purchase the pro version.
5. Tor Network
Using the Tor browser or the Tor network is one of the most effective ways to conceal your true internet identity. Tor browser is a modified version of Mozilla Firefox that includes all privacy and security capabilities out of the box. To conceal your original IP address from being monitored, it can send numerous requests to websites from other places.
While it is regarded as a successful solution, it cannot be used in lieu of your usual web browser. When linked using the Tor browser, the online sites will take a long time to load. Tor is available for Mac OS X, Windows, Linux, and Android. Orbot may be used to use the Tor network as a proxy for your Android device.
6. ProxySite
ProxySite is a free web proxy browser service that does not require the formation of an account to use. It provides a plethora of US/EU servers to pick from. You may also delete cookies, scripts, and objects to improve your privacy when using the proxy.
7. Epic Privacy Browser
Epic Privacy Browser is a compelling alternative to popular web browsers that incorporate tracking protection. It also has a built-in VPN that you may use when online.
Surprisingly, you also receive some other benefits, such as a movie downloader. It is not advised as a daily driver, but it may be a choice for temporary browsing requirements where greater anonymity is required. You may install it on your Windows/macOS computers as well as your cellphones.
8. Hidester Proxy
Hidester proxy browser is another helpful free web proxy that allows you to connect to servers in the United States and Europe. Even though the number of servers is restricted to two, it works perfectly for encrypting URLs, deleting scripts, and other tasks. Unlike some other web proxies, it also provides a Chrome plugin if necessary.
9. InstantProxies
InstantProxies is a paid proxy browser service that allows you to verify server availability before purchasing a membership. It starts at $10 per month for ten private proxies, with the option to pay for a bespoke order if you want additional proxies.
It also has a support chat feature where you may get help. Given that it is a paid service with no trial period, you should conduct your own research before deciding to use it at your own risk.
10. NewIPNow
NewIPNow is yet another premium proxy browser service that offers many locations, limitless bandwidth, and a variety of choices. You may buy proxies for a specific server location or at random around the globe.
Finishing Touches
Browser extensions and web proxies are the most convenient ways to use a proxy. If you want a comprehensive solution, you can utilize a one-of-a-kind browser such as Epic Privacy Browser. In addition, if you need to utilize proxy browser for business or commercial purposes, you may wish to consider any of the premium services indicated.
Instead of these proxy solutions, if you want to improve your online privacy and security, you should check into some of the finest VPNs.
