Streaming Content Anonymously: The Ultimate Guide
If you’ve enjoyed our extremely popular article “Anonymous Downloads: The Ultimate Guide”, let us take the opportunity to address a similar and equally important topic, namely the issue of anonymity while streaming content.
Firstly, we would like to show you what risks arise when foregoing this anonymity, then we will explain what you can do to remain anonymous when streaming in the future.
Table of Contents
What are the risks of waiving anonymity while streaming content?
When you forgo anonymity while streaming content, you face two main risks:
- Not all streaming content is legal. While you need not worry about providers like Netflix or Disney Plus, what about free and lesser-known streaming services? Often in these cases, the legal situation is not clearly regulated, or you might unknowingly consume content in an illegal way.
- Third parties can discover what content you are streaming. First and foremost, your Internet service provider or, under certain circumstances, the operator of a public Wi-Fi network, know where your are. And even if everything you watch is legal, do you really want strangers to know about your streaming habits?
Fortunately, the above risks can be avoided quickly and easily with the help of a VPN and a few other tricks.
How can a VPN help you stream content anonymously?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an important component of total anonymity when streaming. You no longer access the Internet directly, but instead all the data is redirected via another server operated by a VPN provider like Shellfire.
At Shellfire, and other reputable VPN providers, we don’t collect log files, which helps you completely disguise your IP address. Even your Internet provider or Wi-Fi network operator will no longer be able to track whatever content you access.
How does setting up a VPN work?
In the case of Shellfire, you simply need to install our software on a device of your choice. Currently, our VPN software is available for Windows, Mac OS, Android and iOS.
Click here to download Shellfire VPN software for free!
Can a VPN be used on operating systems other than Windows, Mac OS, Android or iOS?
In principle, Shellfire VPN can be used with any device capable of connecting to the Internet via Wi-Fi, such as Smart TVs, consoles such as PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X / Series S, TV-Sticks like Chromecast or the Amazon Fire TV Stick, but also TV boxes like Kodi.
In the case of the latter, where there is no in-built VPN support, you can still take advantage of a VPN connection when streaming by using our Shellfire Box. This is a special kind of plug-and-play VPN router that you can get up and running in a matter of minutes.
In the following video, we’ll show you how quick and easy it is to set up the Shellfire Box.
Click here to learn more about the Shellfire Box!
Is Tor Browser a good alternative for anonymous streaming?
Despite all of Tor’s advantages, such as its high level of privacy, especially when paired with a VPN, the Onion browser is not suitable for anonymous streaming.
The major problem with Tor is its relatively slow speed, which makes convenient streaming impossible.
When VPNs like Shellfire, on the other hand, you won’t have to sacrifice any speed—you won’t notice any difference compared to using the Internet without a VPN.
What else should be considered when streaming anonymously?
Above all, remember that obscuring your IP address is only part of remaining anonymous.
If you leave your real address, name or an e-mail address elsewhere, they can still be used to identify you, which renders your anonymity void.
So be careful with this and, as an additional security measure, also use your browser’s private browsing feature to that the pages you have visited do not end up saved in your browser’s history.
Is it legal to use a VPN to stream content anonymously?
Note: The following paragraphs do not constitute legal advice.
Using a VPN is completely legal and not something you have to worry about even if you end up using a VPN to stream content, download or browse anonymously.
However, if you perform any illegal actions, they will still be illegal regardless of the use of VPN and you can expect to be penalized accordingly if your identity ends up discovered.
Featured image: Kaspars Grinvalds / 123RF
