Part 6/12:
A VPN steps in by encrypting your data between your device and the VPN server, effectively hiding your browsing activity from your ISP. The websites you visit see only the VPN’s IP address, not yours, which significantly reduces your online tracking capabilities. Additionally, VPNs can sometimes help you bypass geographic restrictions, making it appear as if you're browsing from a different location.
However, Padfield cautions that VPNs alone cannot prevent all forms of identification, such as browser fingerprinting. He advocates for using fingerprint-resistant browsers alongside VPNs for better privacy.