Hi! It’s my first time posting here and I’ve never used a VPN before, but I think it would be a good idea to help keep my info and activity safe, especially now that I’m in college. I know that most of the reputable VPNs can get expensive, so my dad suggested getting a family plan, seeing as the one we’re thinking of going with lets you add multiple devices. The problem is that I don’t really want my dad to be able to see what I do. If my dad is the one paying for the account (the account holder so to speak), and my phone and computer are some of the added devices, will he be able to see my activity? Should I just bite the bullet and pay for my own account?
Hey there! Great to hear you’re considering using a VPN for your online privacy, especially as a college student. Regarding your concern about privacy from the account holder (in this case, your dad), typically, the account holder does not have access to see the specific activity of other devices connected to the VPN. Most reputable VPN services do not log user activity as part of their privacy policies, which means they don’t keep records that could be reviewed later.
However, the account holder would likely have access to billing information and overall account management, which could include seeing which devices are connected but not what those devices are accessing or downloading.
If your primary concern is keeping your activity private from anyone, including your dad, you might feel more comfortable getting your own VPN account. This would ensure that you have control over all aspects of the account and its privacy settings. Alternatively, you could discuss these concerns with your dad to understand what level of access and information he might have with the family plan.
Either way, it’s good to read up on the privacy policy of any VPN service you consider to ensure it meets your needs for security and privacy!
If it’s a good VPN no.
No, it’s all encrypted. That is what VPN’s do.
Your pornhub habits are safe
ISP, VPN providers and governments can do Deep Packet Inspection and see what you do.
DPI is used for censorship, copyright infringements, lawful interception…
You can hope in Tor but it was invented by US
Your dad shouldn’t be able to see your activity with a reputable VPN, even if he’s the account holder. But if you want total privacy, consider getting your own account.
I have a number of Windows scripts. Pro One Year 5 teter
What is a VPN!!!
Is he hosting?
Or is he a client?
Clients can’t see each other’s traffic!!!
Host can see everything!!!
Is he hosting so that you can access his home network/ resources?
Or is he buying to surf with anonymity?
Only level of security on a VPN is between network and client!!!
I don’t know what you call expensive but I pay $4 USA per month for 5 clients!!!
VPNs do not enhance security, it is 100% false that they do
Ah, this is what I was looking for. Thank you!
My dad can be extremely controlling and, when I was younger, did put one of those “net nanny” VPNs on my phone without my consent. I wouldn’t put it past him to snoop even though I’m literally an adult in college now. So your last point about whether or not I trust who I’m sharing the VPN with is super helpful. Thanks again!
Jesus can decrypt. He’s always watching
I’m so sorry if this question has an obvious answer but what is a client? What is a host?? Explain this like I’m five 
I really know nothing about VPNs other than that they basically create a wall between your device and whatever network you’re connected to. Or at least that’s my current understanding.
The main reason we (my family) want to look into VPNs is because we are going on an international trip soon and want to make sure our devices are protected in a foreign country. And also I just think it’s a good idea to have some protection from malware, phishing, hacks, what have you.
I literally just realized I was looking at the much more expensive monthly plan as opposed to a multiple year plan which is, as you said, just over $4USD/month. I apologize, it’s exams week and I’m running on fumes and iced coffee. :,)
VPNs encrypt traffic, that by default is enhanced security…
VPNs do not enhance security
You’re a bit obtuse. He never specifically says he wants a VPN for security. Security can mean many things to a college kid however, so I’ll humor you.
but I think it would be a good idea to help keep my info and activity safe?
Hiding Activity likely means he wants to hide his web browsing activity from either his ISP or watching dad. And info could even pertain to torrents to avoid DMCA claims from isp in the case of torrenting games or porn.
Both hiding his info, and spoofing his IP to torrent would both fall under the realm of enhanced security to this kid.
He has spys everywhere
Virtual private network!!!
If you are the owner/coordinator/ your isp contract you are the host.
If you are using it, you are a client.
Any VPN 1st means is encrypted traffic between client and network.
When you connect to a VPN any and all traffic will go through that VPN!!!
If I want to use resources in my network and utilize adguards/malware protection, printers, mail servers
I would create a VPN for that!!! Hence host.
If I want to download copyrighted content/ hide my identity/ hide my geographical location. I would purchase membership into someone else’s vpn.
No vpn unless is yours and you have those firewalls implemented will protect you from malware!!!
What web traffic isn’t encrypted already?