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Yahoo
21 minutes ago
- Yahoo
The little-known risks of using a free VPN to get around the Online Safety Act
Many internet users have turned to VPN software to visit sites containing blocked content in the wake of the UK's Online Safety Act coming into force. The Online Safety Act sets tough new requirements on social media platforms as well as sites hosting pornography, to protect children and remove illegal content. These include requirements for age checks, some of which require personal data to be uploaded to access sites that show pornography. The site Top10VPN, which monitors VPN traffic around the world, reported that British VPN traffic rose by 1,327% on 25 July, the day the act came into force, and had risen almost almost 2,000% by 27 July. But cybersecurity experts have said that there is a danger that users will rely on free VPNs, some of which are notorious for privacy risks. What are free VPNs? Virtual private networks, or VPNs, refer to software that routes a user's internet connection through a server in another location, making it seem as if the user is in another country, and thus bypassing the requirements for age checks. Most VPNs charge a monthly fee for use, but there are free versions – ranging from trial versions of paid software to services that are always free. It's some of the always-free versions that users should be wary of, explains Jamie Akhtar, CEO and Co-founder at cybersecurity company CyberSmart. "Unfortunately, free VPNs can come with risks. Although it must be said, not always; if you're using a free trial version of a reputable product, you're likely fine. However, totally free VPNs do raise concerns," he warned. What are the risks of free VPNs? Paid VPNs are highly protective of user privacy, because their financial models rely on paying subscribers. For some free VPN services, user data can be a way to earn money - such as by selling information on the sites people visit to advertisers. Akhtar warned: 'Most free products still need some way to monetise their service, so if you aren't paying in cash, you're probably paying with your data." On less reputable free services, it's also not clear who has access to your data, and how they might use it. 'Some free VPN providers don't disclose their data policies or company ownership, making it unclear who is handling your data or what they're planning to do with it. It'll also be more difficult for you to access legal recourse if your data is abused," said Akhtar. 'If the VPN doesn't adhere to privacy laws or keeps logs that can be handed over to authorities, your identity and online activities could be exposed.' With 'free VPN' a popular search term, cybercriminals have also 'cashed in' by creating apps that look like VPNs but are in fact malware that can infect devices. 'There have been instances of cybercriminals disguising free downloadable VPNs as malware, spyware, and ransomware, so be very careful where you source yours from," added Akhtar. How can I be sure a VPN is safe? There are free VPNs which are perfectly safe to use, such as trial versions offered by major VPN companies such as NordVPN, PrivadoVPN, Surfshark, Proton and Norton. But as a general rule, these come with limitations such as slower speeds or a cap on data. It's generally worth paying the small monthly fee for a paid VPN service just for peace of mind, says Akhtar. 'Many free VPNs have weaker encryption standards or outdated protocols, which can leave your data vulnerable to interception and your device open to attack. There's also the likelihood that it just won't work as well as a paid service. Many free VPNs have unstable connections and high latency, making using them a pretty frustrating experience. 'All in all, it's worth stumping up the extra cash for a paid service. Excellent VPN services can be found for very little cost, and it's worth it for the peace of mind you'll gain."
Associated Press
23 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Man United unveils state-of-the-art training base it hopes will return it to soccer's elite
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester United opened its new 'world class' training complex Friday that it hopes will help return the fallen giant to the top of European soccer. A 50 million pound ($67 million) revamp of the club's Carrington training base has been completed in time for the start of the new Premier League season as the storied club aims to bounce back from its worst campaign in the modern era. 'The big thing that I like the most is now there's going to be no excuses,' defender Diogo Dalot said. United has gone 12 years since last winning the Premier League title in 2013 and last season recorded its lowest finish when placing 15th. It also suffered a club record 18 losses in the Premier League and amassed its lowest points total, 42, as it failed to qualify for any European competition. 'It's what we're going to do on the pitch that obviously will determine what we do and where we put the club back on top,' Dalot said. But he added that the new training center meant players had 'everything that you need to be on your best shape mentally and physically.' State-of-the-art performance and rehabilitation equipment has been installed, including altitude training facilities. Sleeping pods, oxygen chambers and cryotherapy treatment facilities are to be added imminently. The project was funded by minority owner Jim Ratcliffe as part of the British billionaire's $1.3 billion investment in the storied club last year. 'I hope it helps take Manchester United where Manchester United needs to go,' he said. Ratcliffe, who has also outlined plans to rebuild the club's iconic Old Trafford stadium, said he had quickly made a decision to 'invest significantly in the creation of a world class performance environment for staff and players to reflect our ambition and vision for Manchester United.' 'The club has to compete at the highest level. That's appropriate to the brand and the size and the history of the club,' he said. 'So whilst a world class training facility won't take us to that place alone, it is one of the key ingredients in the modern world.' As well as performance equipment, the redesign of the campus, led by architect Foster + Partners, includes facilities like a barber shop, a Formula 1 simulator and pool table, with a padel court due to be installed at the request of players. ___ James Robson is at ___ AP soccer:
Bloomberg
23 minutes ago
- Bloomberg
Gold Price Spikes As Tariff Turmoil Hits Bullion
US tariffs on gold bars have caused US futures on the metal to jump higher versus the spot price set in London. The move may end up enhancing the importance of the US in the global bullion market. An unexpected levy on one-kilogram and 100-ounce gold bars coming into the US has caused upset in the precious metals market. The import tax will have the greatest impact on Switzerland, one of the top refining centers. The futures market for gold is based out of New York on the Comex exchange, and the very bars that are being tariffed are those that are suitable for Comex delivery. The prospect of tariffs has pushed up the price of gold futures, as stockpiles of deliverable metal in Comex warehouses will now be expected to fall before US refiners have the chance to make up the shortfall. Bloomberg's Mike McGlone reports. (Source: Bloomberg)
