Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme break down the reality of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) beyond the marketing hype. They explore what problems VPNs actually solve—hiding your IP address from websites, concealing your browsing from ISPs, and encrypting traffic—while addressing their limitations and downsides. Jordan and Stephen compare VPNs with Tor, examine trusted providers including Proton VPN, Mullvad, IVPN, and the innovative Obscura, and discuss the frustrating trend of websites blocking VPN users. Learn practical advice for incorporating VPNs into your digital sovereignty toolkit and why you should stand up for your right to privacy online.

Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/the-truth-about-vpns-beyond-marketing-hype

00:00 Introduction to The Sovereign Computing Show

00:35 ATL BitLab Sponsorship Information

01:55 Welcome and Episode Overview

02:07 Updates and Errata from Previous Episodes

05:06 White House Signal Group Security Mishap

12:17 Amazon Echo Privacy Changes

15:24 Main Topic: Understanding VPNs

16:33 Problem #1: How VPNs Hide Your IP Address

17:56 VPNs vs. Tor: Centralization and Trust Models

21:30 VPN Performance vs. Tor Performance

23:05 Problem #2: Hiding Browsing from ISP Surveillance

24:49 Problem #3: Traffic Encryption Benefits

25:35 VPN Provider Reviews

25:57 - Proton VPN: Features and Netflix Compatibility

27:32 - Mullvad: Privacy Features and Cross-Platform Support

30:08 - IVPN: Privacy-Focused Alternative

32:07 - Obscura: The VPN That Can't Log Activity

36:46 Downsides of Using VPNs

38:12 Website Blocking and VPN Discrimination

42:38 Conclusion and Recommendations

43:44 Show Outro and Support Information