DREAM / The Prime Minister resigns and wakes up under the Parisian bridge!

 Kliko këtu për të tjera
Voxpress:

Using a VPN to browse online? Here's why it might be the wrong choice

2026-02-18 17:12:47Aktualitet SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Using a VPN to browse online? Here's why it might be the wrong choice

Temporary restrictions on the social network TikTok, but also the desire to access blocked content, have led to a significant increase in VPN downloads in Albania. For many users, activating a VPN has become a quick way to "bypass" online barriers.

However, in the Albanian reality, where internet providers do not apply strict censorship and where most online services are freely accessible, the daily use of a VPN often proves unnecessary. Asked by journalists, technology experts from One Albania stated that many users activate the VPN without having a concrete technical reason.

What is a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted connection between your device and another server, usually abroad. This process masks your IP address and makes your online traffic appear to be coming from another country.

There are dozens of applications on the market that offer VPN services, from free ones to paid services that promise high security standards. A survey by the international platform Security.org found that about 30% of users choose free versions. The problem is that in the absence of payment from users, the source of profit for platforms that offer VPN services becomes the user himself: his data, his movements on the network, his habits, etc.

Slower internet in a market where operators invest in speed

Operators in Albania have invested in recent years in increasing the capacity and speed of fixed and mobile internet. However, when a VPN is activated, traffic is diverted to an intermediary server, abroad, before reaching its final destination. This means that even if the user has a high-speed package, network performance is significantly reduced.

"VPN increases the path that data travels and automatically reduces speed. Users complain about slow internet, while the cause is the active VPN," emphasize technology experts from the company One Albania.

Delay in video communication or games

In Albania, the use of video communication for work, studies or family interactions has become part of the routine. Online gaming is also quite widespread among young people. Activating a VPN increases ping, due to the additional distance that the data travels. This translates into choppy sound and video, lag in response during online games and problems with live broadcasts.

Problems with banking services and other applications

Banks in Albania have strengthened security mechanisms to prevent online fraud. If a customer logs in from an IP that appears to be outside the country, the system may consider this as suspicious activity. As a result, users may be required to complete additional verifications or may have their account temporarily blocked.

In addition to banks, some applications that require an Albanian IP, such as national television platforms or state services, may not function properly when a VPN is active.

The danger of VPNs in the Albanian market

A large portion of users in Albania opt for free versions of VPNs. Experts warn that these applications are often financed by collecting and selling user data. Ironically, the tool we install for privacy while browsing often risks creating greater exposure of personal data. In some cases, there is also the possibility of installing viruses on the phone from free VPNs.

Quality VPNs come with a monthly or annual fee. For most Albanian families who use the internet to browse the web, social networks, or receive common online services, this additional cost is not justified. Furthermore, VPNs create a technical burden that makes it more difficult for operators to diagnose problems in case of complaints, since the traffic does not follow the standard network path.

In the Albanian reality, where the internet is accessible and without restrictions, the constant use of VPN becomes a compromise and not a solution for data security.


Në përputhje me standarded JTI

Video

SHIKO KANALIN NE YOUTUBE
×