Following the recent implementation of the Online Safety Act, there has been a notable shift in the way UK residents approach online privacy and security. A meaningful segment of users, facing unforeseen expenses associated with reliable VPNs, are gravitating towards proxies. Decodo, a prominent proxy hosting service, has reported a significant uptick—approximately 65%—in proxy usage, highlighting a growing trend towards these network intermediaries.
Proxies, especially free ones, are accessible and can sometimes circumvent content restrictions. However, they come with considerable risks. The landscape of residential proxies is complex, with trustworthy options being scarce and infrequently reviewed. Free proxy services have been associated with various threats, including adware and malware, putting users at a substantial risk of having their passwords and account details compromised. Furthermore, the use of proxies commonly contravenes websites' terms of service, which can lead to further complications.
Understanding Privacy and Security
A stark distinction between proxies and a VPN is the level of encryption offered. While VPNs ensure privacy by encrypting data, proxies do not inherently provide the same level of security. In May 2025, the misuse of residential proxies by cybercriminals came under scrutiny. These proxies were employed for nefarious activities such as data scraping, ad and click fraud, and evasion of banking anti-fraud mechanisms. Although some VPNs can also pose similar threats, established services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark tend to maintain robust security protocols, making them less susceptible to malicious activities.
When addressing privacy concerns, avoiding censorship, and accessing region-specific content securely, the inclination should be towards a reputable VPN service. Unlike proxies, VPNs guarantee a higher degree of user anonymity and data protection, essential in today’s digital landscape.
Ultimately, while the affordability and accessibility of proxies may seem appealing, especially under new regulatory frameworks, the potential risks overshadow the benefits. Users are advised to conduct thorough research and lean towards services that prioritize security and privacy to safeguard their digital presence effectively.
