Which countries are known for using ISPs to censor and track users?

In our article, we gave China as an example. However, other countries censor and track users, including Algeria, Qatar, Bulgaria, Russia, and South Korea.

Do I need to select a server in a foreign country?

It’s not a must for you to connect to a foreign server. Launching your VPN app automatically encrypts your connection, thus protecting your security and privacy. Choosing a server in your region for faster speed is often recommended unless you want to unblock geo-restrictions.

Can I hide my activity from ISPs using incognito mode?

No, it’s not possible. The sole purpose of incognito mode is to prevent websites from collecting cookies and remembering your web activity. ISPs can still view your IP address even when in incognito mode.

Is it possible to ask my ISP for my internet history?

While it’s possible to ask them for your web history, they’ll unlikely avail such data to you. ISPs are guided by strict legal requirements, which prevent them from revealing identifiable data to customers. Besides, the process would be overwhelming to the providers.

Can my ISP tell if I visit adult sites?

Yes. Your ISP can tell which websites you visit, including adult sites. That’s why a reliable VPN is essential to encrypt your internet connection and hide your identity.

Are ISPs allowed to retain a record of my browsing history?

The legality of data retention by ISPs varies by region of operation. Some countries require ISPs to retain users’ online activity, while others prohibit the practice.

Are there cases of legal actions due to ISPs sharing private user data?

Yes. In the past, ISPs have played a key role in cases involving copyright violations. Some ISPs have granted government authorities access to massive amounts of private data to help them build a case in incidents such as online harassment, stalking, and online scams.

Is it possible for ISP to see my downloads?

Your ISP can see your downloads and the websites you’re visiting. In other cases, they even censor and track your browsing activity. To limit this, you should consider using a reputable VPN service from the list provided in this article.

Do ISPs share my history with other third parties?

In some cases, ISPs can share your online data, such as location history, browsing history, and duration of web activity, with third parties, such as advertisers. However, this varies from one country to another and may be restricted by privacy laws in some regions.

Is it possible for ISPs to see what apps I download?

Yes, ISPS can determine what apps you download without a VPN connection. When using the internet, data travels through your ISP's servers, allowing them to monitor your activity. However, with a VPN, such activity is hidden from prying eyes.

How to Block ISP Tracking (Stay Safe)

Abeerah Hashim - Security Expert

Last updated: November 14, 2023

Read time: 23 minutes

This is an estimated reading time to let you know how long it will take you to read all the content on this particular PrivacySavvy.com page. However, it has a sneak peek, easy guide steps, and/or a quick list providing quick in-page navigations and easily-found answers if desired.

Your internet service provider monitors your every online move. This guide tells you about details and how you can block ISP tracking onward.

Sneak peek at ISP tracking

An ISP, short for Internet Service Provider, is the company that provide internet connections to let you stay in touch with the online world. The ISPs can track, monitor, and log all your online activities. They know your IP address that enable them to gather your personal information. Additionally, ISPs officially keep a record of your activities and can share with relevant authorities and third-parties upon request. Thus, ISP tracking compromise users’ privacy rights and limits internet freedom. Hence, hiding your activities from internet providers is crucial. Here we provide you some of the effective workarounds that can help you block ISP tracking.

As you reach this article, it’s clear that you’re a privacy freak who wants to block ISP tracking.

Indeed, you reserve the right to care about your privacy. Hence, the Internet Service Provider (ISP) should ideally limit its functionalities to provide you with internet connectivity.

However, in real-time, ISPs frequently cross their boundaries to the extent of tracking you. And they can log your data and then use it for whatever reason they want.

In short, you can hide your browsing history from your parents, family, teacher, or employer. But you cannot hide it from your ISP, which tracks and shares your data with others.

Sounds scary, right?