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Is Private Browsing mode necessary with a VPN?

  • 3 replies
  • 46 have this problem
  • 52 views
  • Last reply by philipp

nu-user
nu-user

In Firefox v. 57.0 (64-bit), if a use a VPN to access the web is using Private Browsing mode necessary or just somewhat redundant? Thank you.

In Firefox v. 57.0 (64-bit), if a use a VPN to access the web is using Private Browsing mode necessary or just somewhat redundant? Thank you.

Chosen solution

Using a VPN means that your computer will connect to the VPN server instead of directly connecting to websites. It means that your Internet provider and government will only see connections to the VPN instead of the actual sites you visit.

The "Private browsing" mode in browsers means that your history won't be stored locally, and you won't be logged in on the sites you've typed your password in. It has nothing to do with external connections and who can see them or not.

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All Replies (3)

user1422915
user1422915

Chosen Solution

Using a VPN means that your computer will connect to the VPN server instead of directly connecting to websites. It means that your Internet provider and government will only see connections to the VPN instead of the actual sites you visit.

The "Private browsing" mode in browsers means that your history won't be stored locally, and you won't be logged in on the sites you've typed your password in. It has nothing to do with external connections and who can see them or not.

bachelor
bachelor

I don't fully understand. If I'm used to using a VPN, is that no longer necessary when using Firefox Quantum private window?

philipp
philipp
  • Moderator

no, a vpn is about privacy/anonymity in the network while private browsing mode is about not storing any data about your browsing locally on your device...