The desktop version of the Opera browser has just been given a free built-in VPN service, which will provide a major headache for those who have set up geo-restricted content gates.
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Load opera://settings/ in the web browser’s address bar. “By adding a free, unlimited VPN directly into the browser, no additional download or extensions from an unknown third-party provider are necessary”. After installation, simply click “Opera” in the menu bar, select “Preferences” and toggle the VPN switch on.
Whether or not the VPN in Opera web browser will be enough to replace your paid for service remains to be seen, although its introduction is an exciting development and it will be interesting to see if any other web browsers follow suit. Now, you don’t have to download VPN extensions or pay for VPN subscriptions to access blocked websites and to shield your browsing when on public Wi-Fi. Opera’s integrated VPN will offer users unlimited data as well, which means there are no data caps to worry about that may be prevalent on similar free VPN services.
“Some companies like to block VPNs, and if that happens to us we will of course work on that, we are not happy that someone wants to block our IP address”, he says. It’s a nifty feature, but unfortunately, it’s also hindered by its limited options of only the United States, Germany, and Canada.
According to Global Web Index, more than half a billion people (24 percent of the world’s online population) have tried or are now using VPN services. The company has been working towards this moment for some time, declaring as far back as Opera 32 that VPN was “a universal right”.
There are many reasons why you should be using a VPN while browsing the Internet.
The new version, Opera 50, which exited beta today, marks a significant line in the sand for privacy-keen surfers and stands as proof that Opera remains far more than a “me too” Chromium build.
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The integration is beneficial to users as it improves privacy and security while using the browser, and because it may be used to circumvent censorship and other restrictions.
