Download This Show Your free VPN might be spying on you
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Mar 13, 2026 Tobias Venus, tech and travel journalist, and Michael Cowling, RMIT educational tech professor known as Professor Tech, discuss the VPN surge after Australian site blocks. They examine risks of free VPNs and the limits of paid trust. They also tackle AI-made war videos, how fake satellite clips fool people, and the new colourful, budget MacBook Neo aimed at students.
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VPN Surge After Age Verification Laws
- Australians rushed to download VPNs when new age verification for adult sites required ID or facial checks.
- Tobias Venus and Rae Johnston noted downloads nearly tripled overnight as people sought to avoid uploading sensitive ID or biometrics.
Avoid Free VPNs That Monetise Your Data
- Avoid free VPNs because companies must monetise them, often by logging activity, injecting ads, or selling browsing data.
- Tobias Venus warned top free apps in charts include services known to track and monetise user browsing.
Pick Paid VPNs With Third Party Audits
- Choose paid, reputable VPNs that explicitly state they don't share logs and preferably have third‑party audits.
- Michael Cowling and Tobias recommended providers that are audited and charge users rather than rely on data sales.