Opera is shaking things up with the latest updates to its browser. While its decision to integrate an ad blocker among its default features from version 37 has already caused controversy, it’s now been announced that the new version available on the Dev channel includes its own VPN that advertises itself as free, with no usage limits.
One of the biggest problems when it comes to using virtual private networks is that some that claim they’re free actually exact a cost by using your bandwidth for illicit purposes, as seen with the controversial case of Hola Better Internet. According to Opera’s official blog, its VPN is offered as a native, unlimited, and free service requiring no subscription.
To activate it, you’ll need to go to Settings > Privacy & security > VPN and tick the corresponding box to enable it. That done, a new icon will appear alongside the URL in your address bar where you can view the amount of data transferred along with the VPN-generated IP and a selector for the country from which you want to simulate browsing (at the moment the options for this include the United States, Canada, and Germany).
The uses one might give a VPN come down to each user. In principle, using this service protects your privacy by masking your browsing data with other virtual network info, making it very difficult for third parties to track your browsing. This is especially useful if you’re connected to a potentially unreliable public network. That said, the real reason people tend to use this type of program is to get around regional restrictions on certain webpages that are blocked in particular countries. Problems may arise with the latter when those restrictions fall under the legal conditions of access for those sites. But obviously, the potential of a provided service is one thing and what you actually do with it quite another.
More information| Official Opera Blog
