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