A guide to free VPNs: What you need to know, and what services to avoid

You want to protect your privacy, but you don't want to pay. Is the solution a free VPN? Here's everything you need to know about free services, trade-offs, and whether any of them are trustworthy.

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• Free VPNs can protect your privacy, but come with risks and limits.
• VPN use is rising as governments impose censorship and age checks.
• Choose the wrong VPN and your security and data could be at risk.

You've probably heard of virtual private networks (VPNs). Many governments worldwide would love to control them or shut them down, and if it weren't for the fact they are a crucial tool for businesses to operate, many lawmakers would have succeeded by now.

Also: Hundreds of free VPNs offer 'no real privacy at all,' researchers warn - does yours ...