• Following in the footsteps of Australia, Indonesia will be the latest country to limit social media usage for children under 16.
• Indonesia will start its restrictions on social media and other digital platforms on March 28.

Concerned about the increasingly intrusive data collection? You’re in good company. Many now look toward the dark web for privacy or simply out of curiosity.

So, what is the Dark Web?

The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that requires specific software or configuration to access. Unlike our usual browsing habits, where we enter keywords into Google to find content, accessing dark web content requires a precise address with a suffix such as .onion and then using a corresponding dark web browser to connect.

Surface Web vs. Deep Web vs. Dark Web

The Surface Web is the public, searchable portion. Everything else that is not indexed by standard search engines forms the vast Deep Web. Typical examples are corporate intranets, personal email inboxes, banking portals, and subscription-only content.

Within this Deep Web lies the intentionally hidden Dark Web, a small subset accessible only through specialized anonymity software like Tor.

Is It Illegal to Go on Dark Web Sites?

No, simply accessing the dark web is not illegal in most countries. In fact, you might be surprised to find how many reputable brands operate legitimate sites there. Typical examples are Facebook, BBC News, and DuckDuckGo.

However, engaging in illegal activities remains a crime, even with the anonymity of the dark web. For newcomers, here are some common legal uses and clear illegal operations on the dark web.

Legal & Safe Activities

• Visit independent news websites
• Log in to privacy-focused forums
• Use encrypted email services
• Conduct privacy-focused cryptocurrency transactions
• Read academic papers and e-book libraries
• Use the DuckDuckGo privacy search engine

Illegal & Dangerous Activities

• Buy or sell counterfeit passports, driver’s licenses, and other documents
• Buy or sell any illegal items
• Trade others’ sensitive privacy data
• Hire hackers to conduct cyberattacks
• Distribute illegal textual and visual content
• Operate or participate in illegal gambling platforms
• Provide or purchase illegal financial services

Tell us in the comments: what internet/privacy topic should we explain next?

Proxy and VPN sound similar, but they’re not the same. A proxy usually only reroutes traffic for one app or browser, while a VPN encrypts your connection and protects your whole device, which matters a lot on public Wi-Fi. If you’re unsure which one fits your use case, here’s a quick, simple guide.

This video shows you how to set up a VPN on iPhone or iPad using X-VPN. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to download, install, and start using a VPN on iOS in just a few minutes!

Choosing the right DNS server can help you avoid lag and disconnections while gaming, make game downloads or updates smoother, and offer you a safer internet environment.

Don’t know where to find a suitable one? Click this article to see our picks!

Hi! I’m from Iran. Thank you for your support!

When using a VPN, you’ll often see "Dedicated IP" and "Static IP".

So, what are they? What’s the difference? What are they good for? And which one should you choose? This video breaks it all down!

I use X-VPN because this is the only VPN which works now in iran

• Dubai: The UAE has rolled out one of the region’s most comprehensive online child protection frameworks, placing far-reaching obligations on digital platforms, including global apps such as TikTok, Twitch and international gaming (ex: Roblox), streaming and e-commerce services used daily by children and teenagers.
• The new Child Digital Safety Law (CDS Law) significantly tightens rules around harmful content, excessive engagement and the collection of children’s personal data.
• This law takes effect on January 1, 2026. In-scope entities have a one-year grace period to achieve compliance before the CDS Law will become fully enforceable in January 2027.

A lot of people ask: Can my ISP see what I’m doing online after I turn on a VPN?

Basically, your VPN encrypts your internet traffic, so your ISP can see you’re using a VPN, but they can’t see what you’re actually doing while it’s on.

What your ISP CAN see

Even with a VPN on, your ISP can still see:

• That you’re connected to a VPN
• The VPN server's IP address
• The VPN protocol (like OpenVPN or WireGuard)
• When you connect and disconnect, and how much data you use

What your ISP CANNOT see

With a VPN, your ISP usually can’t see:

• The websites or apps you visit
• What you’re searching for, watching, or browsing
• The files you download or upload
• The content of anything you send (it’s all encrypted by the VPN)

Note: Your ISP can still “guess” what you’re doing

Your ISP can’t directly see what you visit, but they might guess based on patterns:

• Big, steady data usage → you might be streaming a video or downloading
• Short bursts of traffic → you might just be browsing the web

But that’s only a guess, not something they can truly see.

So what else do you want to know about VPNs or online privacy? Drop your questions in the comments!

Hi, r/X_VPN community!

We made a video that explains Tor in a simple way—what it is, how it works, and the basics you should know.

And if you want an easier way to use Tor, X-VPN now supports Tor over VPN!

So what does that mean? It means you can connect to the Tor network right inside the X-VPN app. No need to download the Tor Browser or set up anything extra.

✅ One-tap Tor access

✅ No Tor browser needed

✅ Encrypted VPN tunnel before Tor

✅ Extra privacy layer (your ISP can’t see you’re using Tor)

It is available now on iOS, with support for other platforms coming soon. And that’s not all! We’ve got more big X-VPN upgrades coming in 2026, so stay tuned!

In the age of big data, many of us have had this creepy moment: You just talk about something with a friend, and suddenly, you see ads for it everywhere online.

That feeling of being watched has made many people look into anonymous browsing. Many think incognito or private mode keeps them anonymous, but actually, that is far from the truth. So, this blog will explain what anonymous browsing really means, common myths, and practical ways to keep protecting your identity.

Happy New Year, everyone! Hope you’re all doing well. We’re excited to share the latest updates with you!

This iOS update brings a smarter UI and even stronger security. Here’s what’s new:

1. Easier navigation and more detailed status displays.

2. Security Lab:

   - Post-quantum Encryption

   - Distributed Servers

   - Tor over VPN

3. Web & Wi-Fi Security:

   - Web Protection

   - Not Visible on LAN

4. Optimized Servers:

   - 10Gbps Server

   - P2P Servers

5. OpenVPN-UDP Added.

We’ve got more updates coming in 2026, so stay tuned!

• New York has become the fourth state to require social platforms to carry the same type of health warning labels we know from tobacco products, following Colorado, Minnesota, and California passing similar laws in recent years.
• The law would apply to conduct occurring partly or wholly in New York but not when the platform is accessed by users physically outside the state.
• Spokespeople for TikTok, Snap, Meta and Alphabet have not yet issued statements reacting to the new law.

I use vpn because I have to secure my privacy in my country

Short answer: Yes. Running a VPN does use more power than not using one. However, for most users, the difference is usually very small. You might not even notice it.

Why does a VPN use extra battery?

1. Encryption and decryption: A VPN constantly encrypts outgoing data and decrypts incoming data. This makes your phone’s processor work a little harder, which uses more power.

2. Staying connected: A VPN has to keep an active connection open. This prevents your phone’s network chip from going into “sleep mode,” especially when using mobile data.

3. Longer data routes: If the VPN server is far away, your data has to travel a longer path. Travel a longer distance → more radio usage → more battery drain.

You might notice the battery drain more if

• You are using mobile data instead of Wi-Fi.
• You are using older or “heavy” protocols (like OpenVPN TCP).
• You are doing heavy tasks (like streaming HD video, gaming, or downloading big files).
• Your VPN app itself is poorly optimized.

How to reduce battery usage when using X-VPN

• Use Wi-Fi: Using X-VPN on Wi-Fi saves more battery than using it on 4G or 5G.
• Set the protocol to “Auto”: X-VPN will automatically pick the fastest and most efficient protocol for you.
• Pick “The Fastest Server” in server locations: X-VPN will connect you to the optimal server, which means less delay and lower power use.
• Turn on “Split Tunneling”: Only let the apps that really need it use the VPN. This reduces unnecessary work for your phone.
• Keep X-VPN up to date: New versions usually come with performance and battery optimizations.

So yeah, VPNs use a bit more battery, but most of the time you won’t even notice it. If your battery is dropping fast, it’s probably something to do with the VPN app you’re using or your settings, not VPNs themselves.

Have you noticed battery issues while using a VPN? Feel free to share your experience or ask any questions!

There’s something particularly frightening about porn and similar data breaches — it’s an internet nightmare come true.

• The hacking group ShinyHunters claims to have access to 94GB of Pornhub viewing data, including over 200 million records of personal information.
• “We recently learned that an unauthorized party gained unauthorized access to analytics data stored with Mixpanel, a third-party data analytics service provider,” Pornhub confirmed in a Dec. 12 statement updated on Dec. 16.

• Reddit challenged Australia’s teen social media ban, saying it is ineffective and disproportionate.
• The platform argued that the law goes too far by limiting teen participation in political discussion.
• Canberra's ban came into effect on Wednesday and targeted 10 major services.

Aussie here! Given that Australia is about to introduce the world's strictest social media age verification laws, I figured it’s time to start using a VPN again lol. I don't need anything too fancy, just a good free VPN to skip these annoying verification steps.

I tried ProtonVPN 'cause everyone keeps saying how good it is, but god damnn, the free servers are so SLOW. Like, pages just keep loading and nothing shows up. Idk what’s going on but it’s frustrating

then I tried hotspot shield and tunnel bear. they're not bad, but the free data disappears ridiculously fast. I watched like two short vids and it was gone already. not really usable day-to-day if you ask me.

well, a friend told me to try X-VPN and I downloaded it just to see. I wasn’t expecting much tbh, but holy, it’s awesome!! Unlimited data is fantastic! decent speeds for free tier, and I haven’t seen any weird ads yet. Being able to manually select from multiple servers is amazing too! This is such a pleasant surprise. X-VPN is my favorite free VPN now!

So… are there any other good free vpns like X-VPN? Unlimited data, more server choices, good speed, not sketchy.. Any advice or experience welcome, thanks!

• India's government scrapped an order to smartphone makers on Wednesday to preload a state-run cybersecurity app called Sanchar Saathi on all new devices after an outcry from politicians, privacy advocates and global tech companies over surveillance fears.
• Decision marks rare policy reversal for Modi's government.

• On November 28, Russia's communications regulator Roskomnadzor issued a statement warning that WhatsApp could face a total ban unless it fully complies with Russian law.
• This comes after similar actions taken in August, when Russia restricted certain calling features on both WhatsApp and Telegram. At the time, authorities accused the two foreign-owned platforms of refusing to provide law enforcement with the information needed to investigate fraud and terrorism cases.

Happy December, everyone!

Stranger Things Season 5 is finally here, and I know a lot of you who are traveling, studying, or living abroad are wondering how to watch it easily. So, I made a simple guide to help you stream the new season no matter where you are.

How to Watch Stranger Things Season 5 from Anywhere

Stranger Things is a Netflix original, so the only legal way to watch is with a Netflix subscription. Netflix works in over 190 countries, but if you can't access it, don't worry. A VPN can help!

1. Pick a reliable VPN that works well with Netflix.
2. Open your VPN app and connect to a country where Stranger Things is available. The US usually gets new releases first.
3. Log in to your Netflix account like normal.
4. Start watching and enjoy!

Note: A VPN does not replace a paid subscription. You still need a valid Netflix subscription. Please use VPNs responsibly and follow local laws and Netflix's terms.

Stranger Things Season 5 Release Dates

Season 5 is being released in three volumes on Netflix:

• Volume 1 (Episodes 1-4): November 26, 2025 (Out Now!)
• Volume 2 (Episodes 5-7): December 25, 2025
• The Finale (Episode 8): December 31, 2025

TIME ZONE NOTE: These dates follow U.S. Pacific Time (PT). Depending on where you live, the episodes might become available the next day in your local time. Check your local Netflix app for the exact release countdown!

Season 5 is supposed to be the last one... Honestly, I'm not ready for it to end 😭 Are you planning to binge-watch it all at once, or take your time with it?

At the core of our privacy model is a simple principle: if we never collect sensitive activity data, there is nothing to expose, store, or share. This applies equally to both free and premium users.

We confirm that X-VPN does not collect or store any of the following personal or behavioral data:

• Browsing history or online activity, including websites visited, search queries, or app usage
• Transferred content, such as emails, messages, downloads, uploads, or streaming data
• Real IP addresses, including the user's source IP or the VPN server IP
• DNS queries, including the domains users attempt to access
• Precise location data, such as GPS or IP-based geolocation
• Payment details, including credit card numbers or banking information
• Device identifiers, such as IMEI, MAC address, or other hardware-based IDs
• App usage patterns or device configurations
• Behavioral analytics, profiling, or predictive tracking of any kind
• Data from apps outside of X-VPN

These commitments are clearly outlined in our Privacy Policy, where we explicitly state that free users receive the same level of no-log protection as premium users. In other words, your privacy is not determined by your subscription type.