How does a VPN protect your privacy online?

A VPN protects your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a server in another location. This means your internet service provider, network administrators, and potential eavesdroppers cannot see what websites you visit or what data you send and receive. Your real IP address is also hidden, replaced by the IP address of the VPN server, making it harder for websites and advertisers to track your location or identity. However, a VPN is not a complete privacy solution. The VPN provider itself can see your traffic, so you have to trust them. It also does not protect against tracking methods like browser cookies or fingerprinting. It is best used as one layer of privacy protection alongside other practices.