Digital privacy advocates are in uproar, asking if this type of search is even legal in light of the 4th Amendment.

Find out more about what Fog Reveal does, how it works, who can use it, and how you can protect yourself, as we take a deeper look into this easy-to-use surveillance tool.

What Does Fog Reveal Do?

Imagine software that allows you to track anyone, anytime. You can see which establishments they frequent, what time they get to work, and when they typically go home. No sophisticated hardware required — simply log in and check out the scene via an app on your mobile device.

Well, it’s here. Licensed by Fog Data Science, Fog Reveal gives state and local police the power to easily search by location or device information. 

What results does the app pull up? Where the specific device has been, for how long, and what other devices were in the same location at, or around, that time. A crime investigator’s dream! 

How Fog Reveal Works

Fog gets its location and device data from its partner company Venntel. This data is acquired from various popular mobile apps that track a person’s location and Advertiser ID (AID) to target them with relevant ads. These include Waze, Starbucks and hundreds of others who may fund innovation by selling their user data to other third parties, like Venntel’s parent company, Gravy Analytics. 

All devices have a unique AID and International Mobile Equipment ID (IMEI) that identify them in different ways. On iOS, your AID is called Identifiers for Advertisers (IDFA), while Android calls it an Android Advertiser ID (AAID). 

With the right software, an AID or IMEI can track mobile devices. Fog Data Science created that software. Fog Reveal can track any mobile device with one of these popular apps installed, as long as the app has permission to access your location and/or serve you targeted ads. 

Fog Data Science built Fog Reveal around AID information, and now has a database of some 250 million unique ‘Fog IDs’ that law enforcement uses to conduct surveillance without a search warrant. 

Fog Reveal’s marketing brochure sells itself as a “four-step investigative process, with no suspects or witnesses”. Here’s how it works.

Who Are Fog’s Clients?

Currently, only state and federal law enforcement entities have the opportunity to use Fog Reveal. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) obtained documentation showing Fog Reveal has or had contracts with at least 18 clients in local, state, and federal law enforcement. This number isn’t likely to decrease and doesn’t include any law enforcement agencies who use or have used the free trial.

Why Fog Reveal Is Useful to Authorities

For law enforcement, Fog Reveal is the sorcerer’s stone of criminal investigation tools. Easy-to-use, low-cost software that lets you pinpoint any mobile device within the vicinity of a crime scene, without having to hit the streets and chase down leads… it’s a no-brainer.

Law enforcement gets a list of suspicious device IDs and none of their owners even know they’re being tracked. And it doesn’t stop there — Fog Reveal has other compelling use cases for law enforcement agencies. 

Is Fog Reveal Unconstitutional?

Fog Data Science and law enforcement agencies don’t seem to think so, but privacy advocates claim it stomps on our 4th Amendment rights — especially the part about unlawful search. 

Fog Reveal claims “no suspects or witnesses”, but that’s hardly the case as it allows law enforcement agencies to:

1. Pick out both suspects and potential witnesses where none exist, allowing them to open cases that otherwise have no leads. 
2. Track anyone they want without leaving a trail, with no real evidence other than location information, and minus a search warrant!

Given this information, the tagline “everyone is a suspect or witness” is probably more appropriate.

The software also claims to use no Personally Identifiable Information (PII) to obtain device signals… just info users willingly allow apps to collect. 

Then again, do you really go through all those permissions every time you install an app? You don’t for a moment think your app data could wind up implicating you as a suspect or witness in a crime. If you’re like the rest of us, you just say ‘yes’ to get on with your life. 

Fog Reveal doesn’t rely on traditional PII like your Social Security Number, but obtaining data on where you go during the day, and where you sleep at night is pretty personal. There’s no time limit either — law enforcement can track a device signal for as long as it takes to rule out a suspect, and go back in time as far as they like. Under most circumstances, that classifies as stalking, which is illegal in all 50 US States. 

The positives of using powerful software like this are clear, but so are the negatives. Policymakers must be vigilant and clear about how and when law enforcement can use this type of privacy-invasive software.

Mass Data Collection is the Heart of the Matter

Fog and local law enforcement’s disregard for the 4th Amendment raises red flags, but none of this is possible without the intrusive apps and websites constantly collecting your device ID and online activity, or the data brokers that compile and sell it for a profit. 

The diagram above shows the endless cycle of mobile data collection, but you don’t have to participate. Here are a few ways to reduce the amount of data you put on display.

Use What Your Mobile Device Gave You

You don’t have to end up pegged at the scene if you don’t want to. Both Apple and Android give you options to prevent apps from using your AID. On iOS, your AID is called Identifiers for Advertisers (IDFA) and for Android it’s Android Advertiser ID (AAID). 

iOS now requires all apps to ask for permission to access your IDFA, so you choose who has access on an app-by-app basis. You can also shut off IDFA for iOS. To increase privacy, Android goes the extra mile and lets you delete your AAID.

Pay Attention to Permissions Requests

It’s a chore to scroll through app permissions before installing an app, but it’s important if you want to maintain digital privacy. In 2022, Comparitech discovered that at least one app on every Android device requests unnecessary permissions. 

Use your best judgment, and opt out of any permissions that seem unnecessary. Accepting shady permissions requests puts your data at risk of surveillance and potentially allows cybercriminals to access your device. Below are some examples of unusual requests that should set alarm bells ringing..

• A photo app that requests access to biometric software
• A game that requests access to your camera
• An RPG that asks for permission to make or receive calls

Never be afraid to remove an app’s permissions, it’s completely reversible. Even if you deny a permission request and it affects the app’s functionality, you can enable it in your mobile device settings later. 

Get A VPN And Stay Safe Online

We value honesty at PIA, so it’s important to know that a VPN alone won’t protect you against the type of surveillance Fog Reveal does. Fog’s service uses AID information that’s already been gathered by an app. You need to shut off your AID before a VPN is going to be useful.

PIA has advanced tools that protect you, so intrusive software like trackers and malware can’t use your mobile device to spy on you. Our advanced Kill Switch prevents location exposure, even if your VPN is off. We also offer PIA MACE, an all-in-one tool that blocks malware, ads, and trackers before they reach your device.

Protect Yourself from Unlawful Surveillance

Unfortunately, we live in a time where playing a seemingly innocent, location-based mobile game could land your device data and online activity in a criminal database. 

Until web-based surveillance software like Fog Reveal is better regulated, your online privacy and 4th Amendment rights are never guaranteed. 

It’s more important than ever to remain vigilant about your data privacy and take steps to secure your mobile device. Pay attention to permissions requests and use a VPN. These two small things alone will make a world of difference in protecting you against unlawful surveillance.

FAQ

What is Fog Reveal?

Fog Reveal is web-based surveillance software created by Fog Data Science LLC and used by local law enforcement agencies in the US to track mobile signals. 

The software allows users to find potential suspects and witnesses, based on available signals in the area when a crime occurred. The tool is extremely useful for law enforcement, but it’s a step back for digital privacy advocates.

Can anyone use Fog Reveal?

No. Currently, Fog Reveal is only available to law enforcement agencies. The software is available for under 10,000 USD a year and it saves valuable time and resources for state and federal law enforcement. 

Fog Reveal uses mobile signals to track criminals, but innocent, private citizens can get caught in the same net. Don’t let your device get thrown into the mix — protect it against trackers and hide your true location with PIA.

Does Fog Reveal violate the 4th Amendment?

Yes. The absence of a search warrant violates US citizens’ 4th Amendment right protections against unlawful search. Despite this, law enforcement agencies and Fog Data Science feel otherwise, so it’s important to protect your mobile devices.

One subscription to PIA VPN lets you cover up to 10 devices, and you get advanced protection against trackers and harmful software. We have dedicated apps for iOS and Android devices, and you also get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Can a VPN protect you from Fog Reveal?

Not alone. Fog Reveal doesn’t use the data a VPN protects, it uses your AID, so you need to turn off or delete AID to be fully protected. 

That doesn’t mean a VPN won’t help at all, especially if Fog Reveal expands its collection methods beyond AID information to other data apps collect.

PIA VPN prevents apps from tracking your true IP address and device data. We offer antivirus protection in addition to the PIA MACE ad and tracker blocker, and an advanced Kill Switch, to prevent malware from getting in and location data from leaking out.

The post Fog Makes Police Surveillance Easier and Cheaper — But at What Cost to Your Privacy? appeared first on PIA VPN Blog.

US gamers under 18 make up over 20%, a concern to parents who may feel helpless to defend their kids from the dangers lurking online. 

In this article, I’ll discuss 4 of the biggest technological and social risks of online gaming (not to be confused with online gambling), and give you some of my best tips to minimize them.

Online Gaming Is Everywhere

Stats indicate there are between 16 and 29 million players online at any one time. Gaming online is a different beast from single-player or offline gaming, and comes with both its own appeal and risk.

On the one hand, you get to compete in real-time, build friendships, and interact with people you’d never otherwise meet. Gaming is not just about socializing — most gamers claim they get joy out of gaming, and that video games provide them with mental stimulation and something to do on the train.

On the other hand, playing with complete strangers may expose you to real dangers. 

4 Major Online Gaming Risks

It’s wise to know about the risks that come with online gaming before you decide how and when to let your children play, or even whether to play yourself. 

Some players may have ulterior motives, and others can be incredibly toxic. Then you also face the risk of overspending, both in time and money, or finding yourself unable to stop gaming – even when you want to. 

Here are the 4 major risk categories to look out for:

Cybercriminals

Online gaming addiction

Harassment/exposure to adult content

Overspending

Cybercriminals Leverage Online Games

Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for potential targets, and what better place to phish for information than an online multiplayer game? They can connect with users from all over the globe and attempt to scam people that don’t know their true identity. 

Cybercriminals use online gaming to connect with potential victims in an attempt to:

• Steal personal information for identity fraud or account theft.
• Find personal information to use for cyberbullying.
• Target specific players with DDoS attacks, viruses, malware or ransomware.
• Hijack connections and use them to download files for themselves.

Don’t be an easy target! Play it safe by adopting some basic cybersecurity habits.

How to Protect Yourself While Gaming Online

Taking certain precautions will create a safer gaming environment. You may chalk some of these up to common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people forget them. 

Create strong/unique passwords for your accounts.

Avoid volunteering personal information.

Use a VPN to access the game through private servers (and stay anonymous).

Purchase/download games only from reputable sources.

Never open any suspicious links!

Don’t share your account information with others.

Implementing all of these measures will go a long way to ensuring your safety during online gaming. 

Online Gaming Addiction

Research shows that children from the ages of 8 to 18 are online for longer periods than ever before. About 10% of US online gamers have admitted to addictive tendencies. Although it’s way more prominent in men, online gaming addiction knows no gender. 

You may find yourself grinding for hours at a time, which is fine if it doesn’t take time away from other aspects of your life. But if online gaming has become your single focus, it could result in ruined sleep schedules, lost relationships, and poor performance at work or school.

Nifty marketing strategies, powerful devices, and an abundance of exciting new titles make it hard to resist online gaming. Whether you’re at home or anywhere else, gaming is an ever-present temptation. 

But does the risk of addiction mean you have to stop gaming entirely? Not necessarily, but you do have to be smart about how much time (and money) you spend on it. 

How to Prevent Online Gaming Addiction

The easiest way to avoid an online gaming addiction is to set boundaries early on. Here are a few things you can do to create balance and avoid becoming addicted.

1. Set limits. Decide in advance how long you will allow yourself or your kids to spend online. This will help you avoid slipping into addiction and restore some balance to your schedule. 
2. Find a new hobby. Find something you like to do that’s healthier for you. Imagine if you took all of the hours you’ve put into gaming and spent them reading or learning a new skill instead! Just 100 hours of learning how to code, video edit, write, or craft something will change your life.
3. Spend more time in the real world. Many gamers rely on online gaming for social interaction and forget to pursue it in real life. Spend more time with your real friends and family – build long-lasting, meaningful relationships. 

As long as you pursue a variety of interests and don’t let online gaming cut into your other responsibilities, you can continue to play online without risking addiction.

Harassment or Exposure to Adult Content in Online Games

Online gaming can expose your kids to cyberbullying and inappropriate content. As a parent, you have little control over who your children interact with online. 

If you allow your young ones to play Mature-rated games they’re highly likely to be exposed to mature themes and inappropriate content. These games attract older players who don’t take too kindly to “squeakers”. Verbal assaults, sexually explicit conversations, and the theft of personal information are all possibilities. 

Even games rated E (for Everyone) have their risks. Offenders may deliberately seek out a game that appeals to younger children to get close to their victims.

How to Prevent Harassment and Incidental Exposure Online

Other players could be bullying your children online without you even knowing it. You can’t monitor the in-game chat, and although you can report players, it won’t reverse incidental exposure to inappropriate content. 

You can, however, start with these tips to make online gaming a much safer space for everyone. 

• Supervise your family’s online gaming. You’ll want to be the one to decide which games are appropriate for your kids, and what the rules of play are. Check in now and then to see if your kids are following them, and who they’re playing with. Talk about the risks and try to find out if your kids are experiencing any of them. 
• Check the ESRB rating. Take the ESRB rating of games seriously and learn which games are appropriate for children. Mature-rated titles are not suitable for children and may put them in bad company. 
• Enable parental controls. Whether it’s on a computer or game console, you should be able to enable some parental safety settings. For example, on PlayStation, you can use the “Family Timer” to stop play after a certain length of time. You can also prevent unfriended players (aka “randoms”) from messaging your children. 
• Use a VPN. VPNs can hide your true identity and location from prying parties and prevent doxxing or DDoS attacks; they are the easiest way to secure your network.

Online Gaming Can Lead to Overspending

The video game market is now worth well over $60 billion, with online and in-game purchases accounting for over $50 billion of that. Game manufacturers work hard to make in-game purchases attractive and even essential.

Unsupervised children can make online game purchases without your approval if you leave your credit card info saved, which can result in quite a nasty surprise at the end of the month.

Reckless spending can be an issue for adults as well. If you’re addicted to online gaming, odds are you’ll be willing to spend money you don’t have for a boost.

Gaming companies understand this logic and constantly nerf (downgrade) or buff (upgrade) guns, characters, and paid in-game items to drive purchases.

How to Prevent Overspending

Weigh the costs. The next time you get the urge to spend money on an in-game purchase, just remember that many developers are all about profits. You work hard for your money! Remember how much work it took to earn that $19.99 booster pack before committing to it.

There’s always the next thing. The perfect example would be games like EA Sports FIFA – it’s a sports game where the Ultimate Team mode lets you purchase player packs with real money. Naturally, the more money you spend, the better your team will be online. The worst part is that releases tend to be frequent. Spend your money on something tangible that will last much longer.

Set a budget. If you enjoy online gaming and can afford to pay for a boost or two, there’s no shame in that. Just remember to set a budget so that you aren’t spending money you can’t afford to lose.

Can a VPN Protect You While Online Gaming?

VPNs allow you to change your IP address and remain anonymous online. Since it’s not your real IP, nobody will know your true identity and your activity remains hidden. 

As online gaming becomes ever more popular, playing it safe should be a top priority. This is  especially true if you have kids, as malicious players could be lurking on any server. 

Whether to protect your account logins or to hide your personal info from hackers and trolls, a VPN is essential for safer online gaming. 

Here are 4 reasons to connect to a VPN while online gaming:

1. VPNs Keep You Anonymous Online

Not all the players are in it for fun, though. Some may be out to use your private information for criminal ends. Your best option is to remain anonymous online with a VPN. 

That way, you will never expose your real name, location, IP address, or anything else that could be used by strangers online. 

2. VPNs Protect You from DDoS Attacks

DDoS attacks are used to disrupt your connection and ruin your games. If you’re demolishing somebody in a competitive online match, but they can’t stand losing, they may go as far as sending a DDoS attack your way. 

DDoS attacks require your IP address, and a VPN keeps your true IP address hidden. As such, attackers will find it nearly impossible to target you. 

3. VPNs Enable Safe Access to Public Wi-Fi 

We all know public Wi-Fi is risky, but sometimes you have no other choice. Whether you’re participating in a gaming tournament, or on vacation, remember that using public Wi-Fi can expose your personal information to other users on the network. 

With so many unsuspecting victims on the network at once, public gaming tournaments present the perfect opportunity for criminals to phish for information. PIA VPN includes unbreakable data encryption to prevent hackers from making sense of your data.

4. VPNs Help Prevent Bandwidth Throttling

Bandwidth throttling is when ISPs limit your access to the internet, especially if you’ve been busy with high-bandwidth activities like gaming. 

If your ISP has bandwidth limits in place, it’s only a matter of time before your gaming marathon is cut short. Thankfully, a VPN could be all you need to avoid it entirely.

Your ISP can’t cap you based on your activity if they can’t see it. Encrypt your data with a VPN to make it nearly impossible for your ISP to implement activity-based bandwidth caps. Some ISPs will throttle VPN-specific traffic to get around this, but PIA uses obfuscation to keep your VPN usage hidden!

How to Use PIA VPN for Online Gaming Protection

Step 1. Sign up for Private Internet Access.

Step 2. Fire up the app, select the server of your choice, and click Connect.

Step 3. Enjoy your favorite games with the protection of anonymity!

You can also use a VPN router to protect your entire household, including your game consoles. With a VPN router, you can stay safe while on your PlayStation, Xbox, and even your Nintendo Switch. 

Online Gaming Made Safe & Simple with PIA

Despite the many risks involved, you can stay safe while online gaming if you take the proper precautions. If you can game in moderation and keep your VPN connected at all times, you’re golden!

Private Internet Access has the advanced privacy features you need to stay protected from online gaming risks like cyberbullying and DDoS attacks. That’s because PIA VPN prevents other gamers from accessing your personal information and allows you to enjoy gaming online with absolute privacy.

What’s more, it can even help you bypass IP bans to keep you in the mix no matter what! 

Get PIA today and stay safe while you grind away at your favorite games online. 

Avoid Online Gaming Risks & Focus on the Fun

Whether it’s online gaming addiction, overspending, or the potential of cyberbullying, online gaming can be harmful to you and your children if you aren’t careful.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that online gaming is entirely off the cards. As long as you’re willing to take precautions and create the safest environment possible, you’ll be able to let your family play online securely. 
Have your kids stick to playing with their friends, set limits, and sort out your parental controls. Finally, use a VPN to prevent any information leaks. That way, nobody will know who you or your kids are unless you want them to – and that alone makes online gaming much safer.

FAQ

What are the risks of online gaming?

Online gaming can lead to several unpleasant outcomes, including cyberbullying and harassment, overspending, gaming addiction, exposure to cybercriminals, and more. 

The world’s #1 VPN, PIA is one of the simplest ways to make online gaming safer for you and your family.

Do kids get cyberbullied in online games?

Yes, cyberbullying is a real threat to kids playing games online as they’re competing with others in an often excitable and aggressive environment. PIA keeps potential attackers and bullies at bay by shielding your personal information with military-grade data encryption. 

Online bullies will have a much tougher time doxxing or stalking you with a VPN enabled. 

What are the advantages of online gaming?

Online gaming is great for mental stimulation, connecting with friends abroad, or relaxing after a tough day at work. That said, there are significant risks involved, including online harassment and cybercrime.

Stay connected to the fastest VPN on the planet to reduce your risk without compromising your ping!

What are the best safety tips for online gaming?

Be realistic about what you can afford in terms of time and money and set limits to your online gaming habits. Avoid interacting with mischievous players and trolls; report and block players as soon as they become toxic.

Consider using PIA on your router to ramp up privacy and security on all your devices. 

PIA offers open-source security protocols and can protect your entire network from prying eyes. Use PIA VPN to stay anonymous and avoid shady gamers – you can try it out risk-free with our 30-day money-back guarantee.  

The post What Are The Risks of Online Gaming? appeared first on PIA VPN Blog.

Anti-terrorism legislature was introduced left and right. It didn’t take long to pass the US Patriot Act, which provided the government with broad surveillance capabilities. Now, any group, individual, or entity known to be conspiring with terrorists could be monitored legally. It was the solution and comfort Americans needed at the time. 

Unfortunately, the Act included several sunset clauses making it legal for the government to perform mass surveillance on US citizens without actual proof of ties to terrorism. This isn’t the first time the US has spied on private citizens without us knowing — and it won’t be the last.

Come with me on a trip down memory lane, looking back at US surveillance over the past 8 decades. You’ll discover how personal privacy has taken a back seat, and, importantly, what’s happening to fix the problem.

What is the Patriot Act?

The United and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act was established after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center buildings in New York on September 11, 2001. While the acronym is meaningful, it’s quite a mouthful, so most people simply refer to it as the Patriot Act.

Officials discovered most of the planning for the attacks was conducted through internet communication and looked for a way to make laws regarding surveillance of terrorist suspects more defined. Federal laws related to terrorism became more defined under the Act, making it possible for the federal government to track and seize money and accounts connected to terrorist factions or organizations. The government was also allowed to divert federal funds to help victims of terrorist attacks, and anti-terrorism funding was increased.

Understanding the law with all its loopholes and clauses can be difficult, so let’s break down some of the pros and cons of the Patriot Act.

What Provisions of the Patriot Act Were Deemed Unconstitutional?

Several of the sunset clauses included in the Patriot Act were deemed invasive by privacy rights activists, government officials, and private citizens in the US. Sunset clauses expire if they aren’t reauthorized after a specific time frame, generally around 3-10 years. 

The following sketchy Patriot Act clauses were extended by the USA Freedom Act in 2015, but expired in 2020:

• Section 206 — The ‘roving wiretap’ clause gave the government the power to tap any device a citizen used, including mobile phones, landlines, laptops, tablets, PCs, and more. They needed a single approval from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act’s (FISA) secret court.
• Section 207 — The ‘lone wolf’ clause allowed government and law enforcement officials to perform surveillance on foreign citizens in the US who are suspected of terrorist activity without needing proof of a connection to a terrorist group.
• Section 215 — The ‘business records’ clause gave the government the power to obtain personal records for anyone suspected of working with terrorists, from the businesses they work for.

It wasn’t only laws under scrutiny. During the mass hysteria of 9/11, the US government detained legal US citizens and immigrants who weren’t suspected of or charged with a crime. This led to a public outcry regarding these individuals’ constitutional rights, as well as a call to release people with no proven connection to the 9/11 attacks. Unfortunately, it had already created a pronounced ethnic divide and made some immigrants targets. 

Is the Patriot Act Still in Effect?

The Patriot Act wasn’t reauthorized, so it expired on March 15, 2020. Still, surveillance hasn’t stopped, not by a long shot. The USA Freedom Act, while a vast improvement on the Patriot Act, still provides plenty of loopholes.

What Is the USA Freedom Act?

The USA Freedom Act came into effect in 2015, to right the wrongs of the Patriot Act but it still leaves a few loopholes allowing government surveillance with little to no proof of illegal or terrorist activity.

What It Got Right

When Snowden disclosed the CIA’s bulk collection of private citizens’ phone communications, it became clear our conversations weren’t so private. The USA Freedom Act banned the bulk collection of citizens’ personal data. It led to the reform of the FISA court and gave more power to the Amici role created in 2013, to ensure surveillance is executed legally and civil liberties are upheld.

Where It Needs Work

The Freedom Act doesn’t include changes to Section 702 of the 2008 FISA Amendments Act, which includes a law allowing the government to conduct mass surveillance. It also lacks concrete procedures for deleting information that has nothing to do with the target suspect. In addition, the language still makes it possible for law enforcement or government officials to collect information with minimal proof a threat exists. 

Just as troubling, it allows for a 72-hour hold of any person the government has ‘reasonable’ cause to suspect, enabling the Attorney General to get a new surveillance order. While this is a step up from undefined detention, suspects can still be detained without any real proof of wrongdoing for up to 3 days.

Government Surveillance Before 9/11

The US Government has always conducted surveillance on private citizens in one form or another. It only intensified after the 9/11 attacks, giving lawmakers the ability to make most of its surveillance legal — at the cost of citizens’ privacy. Broad surveillance more or less started in the 50s in the US. 

The government intended to use FISA to gain the power to spy on foreign agents and groups, but it ended up broadening surveillance reach to US citizens. Soon, the government was secretly spying on the Average Joe, sidestepping citizens’ constitutional right to privacy. Later, as technology advanced, the government used wiretapping to monitor electronic communication, with ‘reasonable’ belief counting as probable cause. 

The timeline below provides a snapshot of some of the most relevant acts regarding surveillance and privacy rights in the US.

Are Whistleblowers Protected if They Leak Evidence of Illegal Surveillance?

The Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA) was created in 1989 to protect Federal employees who disclose tangible evidence of the following by the government:

• Violation of laws, rules, and regulations
• Mismanagement/gross waste of funds
• Abuse of authority
• Substantial/specific danger to public health and safety

The Act prevents retaliation like demotions, pay cuts, or dismissals for whistleblowers, and provides legal support if they’re retaliated against. More importantly, it allows whistleblowers to make disclosures confidentially. So, why did Edward Snowden seek asylum in Russia? He was a federal employee disclosing evidence of a violation of laws, which should be protected.

Well, his method of disclosure was a bit loud and bypassed all the proper channels — Snowden stole official documents and leaked them to the British newspaper, The Guardian. Regardless of his reasoning for not reporting it through US channels, his leak to a foreign entity branded him a spy and wanted for espionage.

Some people have expressed worry the former computer intelligence consultant will switch sides as he’s a permanent resident in Russia. Considering 58% of state-sponsored cyberattacks in the US in 2021 originated in Russia, the thought is alarming. It seems, however, Snowden himself put the idea to rest in his interview with NPR, making it clear he doesn’t intend to cooperate with Russia on any cyberattacks or government activities.

How to Avoid Online Surveillance

The US government monitors what you do online if they have a reason to suspect you’re doing something you shouldn’t be, but they aren’t the only ones. ISPs, cybercriminals, websites, and even your neighbor Ted could monitor your online habits. Thankfully, you can avoid online surveillance with PIA VPN. 

PIA provides secure tunneling protocols and robust encryption to shield your traffic from anyone who may be snooping. No one can spy on you, because our encryption hides your online activities and we change your IP address to make sure you’re invisible. 

Our MACE feature also blocks trackers, malware, and WebRTC at the DNS level before they reach your device, so you’re safe from anything that could compromise your privacy. A VPN can’t protect your devices against malware and phishing attacks, though. It’s still up to you to be vigilant and follow basic online safety habits.

FAQ

What exactly does the Patriot Act do? 

The Patriot Act was created to monitor and deter terrorist activity in the US by expanding the reach of law enforcement’s investigatory powers. It also covers the punishment of terrorists and gives law enforcement the right to perform surveillance on anyone who is suspected of being involved in terrorist activities without their knowledge.

Unfortunately, people who aren’t criminals may be treated like one. The Patriot Act only requires reasonable belief in order to monitor your online activity. Thankfully, you can avoid surveillance. PIA uses strong encryption to scramble your data and make it unreadable to anyone who may be watching.

What individual rights does the Patriot Act violate?

The most commonly cited violation is the Fourth Amendment, which states the government can’t unknowingly conduct a search without a warrant or probable cause to believe a criminal act took place. Violations of the Fourth Amendment are considered a gross invasion of privacy. 

Many people believe it violates most of the Bill of Rights, especially rights such as free speech, public trial, due process, and freedom from self-incrimination. PIA VPN can help you protect those rights by restoring your online privacy.

Is the Patriot Act still in effect?

The USA Freedom Act replaced The Patriot Act when it expired on March 15, 2020. While it was a step in the right direction, it still allows for several loopholes when it comes to US citizens’ rights. Mainly, it doesn’t include regulations for the deletion of information on non-suspects obtained during surveillance, so irrelevant personal data can be kept indefinitely.

This means the government could still collect and store citizens’ data, even without you knowing. To combat data tracking, use PIA VPN. We never collect usage logs, so even if authorities asked, we wouldn’t have any data to give them.

Is the USA Freedom Act the same as the Patriot Act?

The USA Freedom Act is similar but it has some vast improvements over the Patriot Act, including a ban on bulk collection of citizens’ personal data and reform of the Amici role in the FISA court. Amici now watches carefully to make sure any search or surveillance is executed legally.

Prevent spying before it becomes an issue by installing PIA on your devices. One subscription to PIA covers up to 10 simultaneous connections, so you can protect every gadget you own. We even have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it’s risk-free to test our VPN!

The post The Patriot Act: Surveillance Before & After 9/11 appeared first on PIA VPN Blog.

But we are a company that wants our actions to speak for us. We don’t want you to take our No Logs promises at face value. Just like we’re transparent with our source code and regular Transparency Reports, we aim to be honest with our infrastructure too. Because of this, Private Internet Access underwent an independent audit to review our No Logs policy. 

Deloitte, one of the Big Four auditing firms, reviewed our server environment and found that we store no logs and no details that could be used to identify our users or pinpoint their activities.

How Did Deloitte Test PIA’s Infrastructure?

We invited Deloitte Audit Romania to review our VPN server network and management systems and to examine how we maintain a zero-log VPN service, in order to confirm that server configurations align with internal privacy policies, and are not designed to identify users or pinpoint their activities. As part of this assurance engagement project, Deloitte inspected our server configuration and examined how we maintain a zero-log VPN service. The auditing firm found that server configurations align as of June 30, 2022 with internal privacy policies and are not designed to identify users or pinpoint their activities.

The audit has been conducted in accordance with the International Standard on Assurance Engagements 3000 (Revised) applicable to Assurance Engagements Other Than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information (ISAE 3000 (Revised)) established by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (“IAASB”) and should be read in full.

What Does This Mean for Our Customers?

To put it simply, there is no trace of your activity on our servers. This is because our VPN service runs on RAM-only servers. These servers boot on a read-only image and use RAM modules, as opposed to hard disks. Hard disks are traditionally used as storage, whereas a RAM-only environment is more volatile. We also configured our servers to routinely reboot. With every reboot or power outage, all data is immediately deleted.

We designed our network architecture specifically to prevent data retention. We have no user data, and we can’t be compelled to share information on our users – in fact, the US government can’t force US-based VPN providers to violate a zero-log policy because of consumer protection laws.

Furthermore, we have security systems in place to ensure third-party entities can’t force their way into our network. One way we do this is by disabling all error logs and debug information. If we ever require error logs for development purposes, we create an entirely new traffic server inside an isolated environment. Despite potential drawbacks to our developing and debugging processes, it’s an acceptable trade-off to securing user data.

Even our Dedicated IP service is built as a token-based system to prevent any association with a specific user. This token is only saved in the client, which isn’t enough for a server-side association.

This No Logs Audit Is Another Milestone for PIA

We’ve always stayed true to our commitment to online privacy. We’ve always advocated for digital freedom and anonymity. This Deloitte audit is just another milestone in our journey as privacy activists, but it’s not the first time our No Logs policy has been scrutinized. PIA is one of the few VPN providers to have proven their zero-log service in court. We were subpoenaed multiple times for logs, and each time we had no data to share.

We are honest and transparent with our users, and we don’t cut any corners with the VPN service we offer. PIA is one of the few VPN providers offering 100% open-source VPN apps, despite this not being an industry standard practice. Our code is available for anyone to inspect and analyze. 

We’re also open with any changes to our server infrastructure and keep our users informed. Recently, in light of India’s No. 20(3)/2022-CERT-In directive, we’ve pulled out our Mumbai servers and replaced them with virtual server locations. We made this decision to circumvent mandatory logging laws, as we refuse to compromise our service and No Logs commitment. 

Back home in the US, we’ve launched our 50 Servers in 50 States campaign. Unfortunately, state and federal laws are still playing catch-up with cybercrime, so we’ve taken it upon ourselves to help Americans protect their online privacy and secure their traffic from malicious actors.

More updates to our infrastructure are coming soon, as we’re undergoing extensive hardware optimization. For example, we’re slowly transitioning our fleet to colocated servers to provide increased security measures, better VPN speeds, and more reliable connections. This also means we’re investing in and managing more of our own next-generation servers.

We’ve always put our users’ privacy and digital safety at the forefront of our service, and we’re grateful for the users who put their trust in us. We’ll never break that trust, and we’re holding true to our commitment to bring more transparency to the industry. We’re open to future independent audits and will also be updating our Transparency Report editions on a more regular basis throughout the year.

Choose PIA for Top-Quality Security and Online Privacy

We’re long-time advocates for digital privacy and cybersecurity in the US, and now we have an independent audit that attests to our No Log VPN service. We offer the strongest data protection software possible, and our VPN online shield is critical to keeping your information safe in this digital age. It doesn’t matter if you need a Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, or Chrome VPN, PIA protects up to 10 of your devices simultaneously.

We can unequivocally state that we don’t store any user activity log or metadata. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

We take our No Logs policy seriously, and this audit is not our final endeavor. In the future, we’ll continue to be transparent with the security safeguards we put in place for our users. 

The post PIA Announces Completion of Independent Audit Conducted by a Big Four Firm appeared first on PIA VPN Blog.

At first, you might not realize what that means, but then you watch it more closely as it flashes once more before it disappears altogether. Panic starts to set in. Your heart is pounding wildly as your mind races with a million and one thoughts.

Should you be worried? Are you in danger? Is someone watching you? What should you do?

Although privacy is important to people, advancing technology keeps making spying easier. It can be a subtle decoration in your hotel room or an outlet at work that looks perfectly normal but is a camera in disguise. Spying devices can be hidden anywhere with these sneaky tricks. The technology is also relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain through online shops, no questions asked.

Fortunately, there are ways for you to find these devices if you know where to look. Understanding where hidden cameras are placed and how to detect them will give you peace of mind and a little more control over your privacy, and ultimately make your vacation more enjoyable — even if you don’t find anything suspicious.

Are Hidden Cameras Illegal?

While it’s legal to purchase hidden cameras, many state and federal restrictions exist. Secret surveillance falls into murky territory when looking at where you would be recording and what kind of law enforcement jurisdiction we’re talking about here.

Installing hidden security cameras on your private property, such as a home or garden, is not an issue, so long as everyone being recorded knows about the cameras and consents to them. However, adding cameras to public places can create various legal problems.

Generally, recording people in a rented space without their consent is illegal. This law also applies to work-related settings such as hostels, hotels, and even Airbnb rentals. Guests (and workers) have an expectation of privacy in spaces like bathrooms. The law states you can’t have cameras in a space where people expect a reasonable level of privacy. That includes certain spaces in your home, unless you have consent from everyone that uses those spaces.

Privacy laws vary by state and country for an employer versus a landlord or hotelier regarding who’s allowed to be recorded. Just because something is illegal doesn’t mean everyone obeys the law. Many people who visit hotels come across unannounced cameras in places where they would expect privacy.

Being spied on can ruin your guest experience. No one wants to check into their hotel room or vacation rental knowing they are being watched. Performing a hidden camera sweep can help you take back your privacy.

Where are Hidden Cameras Typically Placed?

Hidden cameras come in various shapes and sizes to blend in and stay out of sight of those being recorded. They can be placed almost anywhere, but they’re often disguised as something else — such as a clock radio or even an air freshener. Vendors create products to suit every need for this type of spy equipment, so customers don’t have to do much of the work themselves. Hidden cameras are typically found in:

• Electrical outlets
• Desk plants
• Nails/Screws
• Wall clocks
• UBS drives
• Alarm clocks
• Pens
• Power banks
• Lamps
• Bookshelves
• Smoke detectors
• Picture frames
• Vents
• Electronics
• Shower heads
• Toys
• Keyholes

You’ll need to scrutinize these places for any signs of a camera. Hidden cameras are often disguised as everyday objects or given an unassuming appearance.

How to Spot Hidden Cameras

With so many potential hiding places for hidden cameras, starting your search may seem daunting. But it doesn’t have to be! And it’s quite easy. Just follow the steps below.

Scan the Environment Thoroughly to Look for Unfamiliar Devices or Gadgets

Observing your surroundings is the best way to spot a camera. Specific visuals will always give away that there might be a camera in sight — but the key lies in understanding how to use them.

Scouring for clues of someone spying on you isn’t always easy, so looking out for things that don’t seem right can also help. In many cases, people will notice an odd-looking device attached to the TV or dangling from a light fixture before realizing it was a camera monitoring them without their knowledge. So keep your eyes peeled when staying at hotels or Airbnbs; if something looks amiss, check it out!

It’s also a good idea to ensure all the items in your room are what they claim to be. This includes checking to see if there are any discrepancies between outlets that don’t work or won’t allow you to plug something into them. 

Turn off all the Lights in the Room to Spot Night Vision Cameras

If you understand how a night vision security camera works, you can find hidden cameras in your room. Almost all hidden security cameras have red or green LEDs. They use these LEDs to create enough light on the infrared spectrum so they can capture their surroundings. Low-light conditions will cause the LEDs to blink or shine.

LEDs around the camera lens will turn on automatically to capture night vision images when low light conditions occur.

You can find hidden IP (Internet Protocol) cameras in the dark using the steps below:

1. Draw the curtains in your room, and switch off the lights.
2. Check whether your room has any blinking red or green LEDs.

You can also use this method to detect wired or wireless hidden cameras in your car, at stores, in your living room, or office.

Use your Mobile Phone to Locate Hidden Cameras

Mobile phones are one of your best weapons against hidden security cameras. In particular, they make for an affordable camera lens and RF detector. There are many apps available that can help you uncover hidden cameras. Additionally, they offer some great features that don’t require extra software or attachments.

There’s plenty of malware masquerading as real apps, even on legitimate app stores. You can learn more about how to spot a fake app here. Malicious apps and spy cameras aren’t your only digital threat either – people could be spying on you through your internet connection. Get PIA to secure your connection on all your devices so you can go about your daily life with peace of mind.

Some illumination is required for cameras to record in complete darkness. Most manufacturers use infrared (IR) technology. The IR spectrum is invisible to the human eye, but some phone cameras can detect the IR light 

Look around your room using your front-facing camera (which should not have an IR filter). You’ll likely have to hold the camera close to an object to detect any IR lights and since it could be a blinking light, it’s best to stay on it for a few seconds. Any specks of light you can’t see without your camera could be spy equipment.

Check every Mirror in the Room for Hidden Spy Cameras.

Mirrors are another place to install hidden cameras. Check to see if the mirror in your room is not a two-way mirror. How do you do this? One way is to first see if the mirror is built into the wall or installed on top of it. If it’s built inside the wall, similar to how a window is, that could indicate a two-way mirror. 

Another way to test to see if there is a two-way mirror is to knock on the mirror and listen carefully to the sound it makes. A two-way mirror makes a more hollow sound than a regular mirror.

Note: Although this method is thought to be effective, it requires some time, considerable knowledge, and experience. If you suspect that your hotel room may have a two-way mirror and that there may be a hidden camera behind it, contact the hotel owner/manager or the authorities.

Download a Hidden Camera Detector or Scanner App on Your Mobile Phone

You can find apps on Android and iOS that claim to be hidden camera detectors, both in free and paid versions. They use the phone’s camera to detect spy cameras. 

One of the drawbacks to this method is that it isn’t 100% effective since there are limitations to this application. Plus, the app can only detect nearby cameras, so you must be close to surveillance devices and move slowly for them to scan correctly. 

It’s important to note that using surveillance equipment in private areas without permission strictly violates the law, which may result in fines or imprisonment. These types of devices should never be in places like hotel rooms and restrooms of any kind because they’re considered private spaces.

Use VPN to protect yourself against AirBnB Spying

Lastly, the threat to your privacy goes beyond installing hidden cameras. You might still be under the watchful eye of an Airbnb host or other home/vacation rental services.

Even if you follow all the tips above, many property owners can monitor you through the Wi-Fi network and spy on you through their laptops or smartphones! They can intrude on your online activities on social media platforms or see the websites you’ve visited.

Mischievous hosts may even install viruses or malicious software onto their Wi-Fi networks to track your online activity and steal anything from your passwords to bank information! Connecting to your Airbnb’s Wi-Fi network with a reliable VPN will ensure you’re not being spied on!

FAQ

What are common disguises for hidden cameras?       

Spy cameras are small and portable, and easily concealed around the home. A secret camera can be disguised to appear as a smoke detector, wall socket, mirror, book, electrical outlet, or wall decor.

Can I find hidden cameras with my phone?

You can detect hidden cameras in your private space using your phone. You can download Wi-Fi scanning apps on your phone” The apps will show all the devices connected to the network, including spy cameras. 

You can also see details about the devices, such as their models, vendors, and MAC addresses. Google these details for any of the devices you’re unsure about to see if they could be surveillance equipment.

How can I find hidden cameras in my hotel room or Airbnb?

Search the private areas of your accommodation when you arrive and pay particular attention to anything with a view of the bathroom or bed. Smoke detectors, wall decor, radios, outlets, and flashing lights should all be checked. As well as anything that looks out of place.

Turn off all the lights in your room and use the front camera on your phone to search for LEDs used in night-vision security cameras. You can also download a VPN and use it to secure your connection on the Wi-Fi network so others can’t spy on your online activities.

Are hidden cameras illegal?

It is illegal to place hidden cameras in bedrooms or bathrooms where someone is staying, or any other place where people would assume a reasonable level of privacy.

What should I do if I find a hidden camera?

If you find hidden cameras in your Airbnb room that you were not made aware of, do not touch them. Document the proof by taking photographs, and then contact Airbnb and local police so they can investigate further.

Stumbling across a hidden camera is not only creepy but also a severe violation of your fundamental constitutional right to privacy. When you find a hidden camera, you should never attempt to remove, disable, or turn it off yourself. You should notify the police immediately, and they should launch an investigation. 

The post How to Find Hidden Cameras Anywhere with These 5 Simple Steps appeared first on PIA VPN Blog.

To make your job as a parent easier, we’ve combined expert-approved tips and created a four-step guide to introducing parental controls in your home. It encompasses everything you need to explain parental restrictions to children, secure their devices, and keep them safe online. They may not like it initially — but they’ll thank you later.

What Are Online Parental Controls?

Parental controls encompass a group of settings that let you decide what your child can access online. They create a safe(ish) internet space where they’re free to explore appropriate content for school or entertainment. At the same time, you can also use them to limit your kids’ screen time, apply GPS tracking, or monitor incoming texts and calls. 

Parental controls are extremely important for kids and teens of any age. The internet is riddled with all types of risks young minds aren’t ready for, like online predators, pornographic images, and violence to name a few. With appropriate use of parental controls, you can protect your children from the worst of it.

Explaining Parental Controls to Children and Teens

Despite popular belief, kids aren’t opposed to parental controls. Research shows 70% of young people support their parents adjusting settings on their devices if it means they can avoid harm. 

It doesn’t mean introducing parental controls in your household will be easy. You shouldn’t have too much trouble with younger kids who don’t fully understand the concept of content blockers, but teens may have different opinions. Luckily, we’ve dug deep to find expert-approved tips on explaining parental controls to children. 

1. Decide Which Devices You Need to Secure

Start with the basics and do your research on available parental controls and how you can protect your kids from online dangers on different devices. Decide how much you want to restrict your child’s online access, for example, which sites you’d like to blocklist. Remember to be reasonable — teens probably won’t appreciate only an hour of the internet a day, but they still need protection. 

It’s also a good idea to find out more about the risks of using the internet and how they may impact your kids. Write down the most important information and choose what you want to share with your children. While they should be aware of what could happen, the last thing you want is to traumatize them or scare them off the internet.

All of this provides you with the ammunition needed for introducing parental controls to your kids. Young minds are clever and they might try to outsmart you, but having the backup of knowledge will act to your benefit.

2. Sit Down to Have a Conversation With Your Kids

The next step is to talk to your kids about parental controls. Find a calm moment when you and your kids can sit down and have an open chat without distractions. Depending on their age, the conversation may be shorter or longer, so don’t limit yourself with other arrangements.

Start with simple explanations of what parental controls are and why they’re important. Your kids may feel upset when they hear about upcoming limitations. Remain calm and guide them through it. It’s important they know it’s for their protection and you’re not punishing them.

See if you can find a compromise to give them more involvement in the process. This could be extending screen time by 30 minutes or having a certain website moved from blocklist to allowlist — as long as they can prove it’s not inappropriate.

3. Follow Through With Your Parental Controls Plan

Now, apply the controls you want to implement on all the devices they use. You can choose to involve your kids and let them adjust their device’s settings. However, make sure they don’t use this knowledge behind your back to undo everything.

Even if your conversations ended in a civil way, you might want to add monitoring controls to check that your children don’t sneak around the restrictions. This could include restricting access to parental settings with a password or linking your devices, so you know when they attempt to change the settings.

4. Review Security Settings on All Devices Regularly

If you choose not to use monitoring software, it’s still important to check your kids didn’t change the parental controls. Regularly reviewing the settings on their devices lets you keep an eye on your children and keep up with the ever-changing demands of the internet. Especially as software updates sometimes add new control features. You can quickly adjust the existing settings or add new ones if a sudden danger emerges. 

You should also schedule regular chats with your children about the internet, how they use it, and what they think of parental controls. Research shows involving your kids in creating family rules makes them less likely to rebel against them. As they grow, they might want to reduce the limitations you placed on them too. 

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Parental Controls

As with anything in life, parental controls come with many pros and cons. Even though the good highly outweighs the bad, it’s crucial you know both sides of the coin before you start explaining restrictions to your children.

Remember, parental controls don’t replace parenting. They’re simply a tool to help keep your child safe. Always pair them with an open conversation and lead by example, so kids can understand what’s acceptable and unacceptable online.

Simple Guide to Blocking Inappropriate Content on Any Device

How you block content depends entirely on the device you want to do it on. If you’d like step-by-step instructions for blocking websites on popular operating systems, check out our in-depth guide for iPhones and other devices.

Apple uses Screen Time settings to block age-inappropriate sites and apps on your child’s Mac, iPhone, or iPad. Simply create a kid’s account through the device’s settings and start adjusting available options. 

Windows settings don’t include parental controls, but you can block inappropriate content with Microsoft Family Safety. Like with Apple devices, you must create a child account and link it to your main profile. Then, access kid-safety settings, like website blocklists, content monitoring, or screen time limitations.

Android devices don’t come with built-in parental settings. Instead, Google has a handy Family Link app with similar features to most parental software — but without payment required. If you’d like more extended settings, like call screening, you’ll need to download a separate app, like Norton Family or Bark. 

Gaming consoles, like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, also have built-in controls to protect children from malicious gamers. You can access them directly from the device’s settings. As additional protection, Microsoft offers a mobile app for parents, which you can use to control your kid’s Xbox from your phone. 

Some apps and websites offer their own parental controls as well. You can create a kids profile on websites like YouTube and Netflix, for example, which automatically restricts content to kid-friendly shows and videos. Be aware that you’ll still have to keep an eye on what your kid watches, as inappropriate content has managed to leak through on YouTube Kids in the past.

If you have multiple kids, each with their own devices, you may want to block websites directly on your router. Doing so stops anyone on the network from viewing restricted content, regardless of what device they use. You can often set specific time restrictions for these blocklists too — so you don’t have to use child-friendly websites when your children are asleep.

Boost Online Protection on Any Device With a VPN

Parental controls block inappropriate content, but they don’t prevent internet snoopers and hackers from stealing your childrens’ photos, videos, or information. Luckily, you can install PIA on all of their devices and stop unwanted malicious actors from getting vulnerable data.

Connecting to PIA scrambles your connection to make it undecipherable to anyone, including your ISP, hackers, online predators, and other onlookers. Our 256-bit AES encryption provides the same level of protection used by the US military and government agencies. It protects your children’s data from falling into the wrong hands and potentially involving them in identity theft.

If you’re not sure where to start, our 24/7 Customer Support is here to help. You can also use PIA to add extra security to your child’s devices with zero risk as we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Remember, VPNs may go around network-level parental restrictions, like website blocklists that block at the DNS-level, because they redirect your DNS queries. You also won’t be able to ask your ISP for an activity list because the ISP won’t be able to track what your kids do online.

It doesn’t mean you need to pick one over the other as parental controls and VPNs aren’t mutually exclusive. Most parental controls are VPN-proof and remain effective. You can still set parental controls on a device-to-device basis. Then, enable a VPN to increase your child’s privacy without negating the parental restrictions.

Implement Parental Controls With Your Kids 

Parental controls are a tricky subject but don’t stray away from it just to avoid conflict with your children. Despite what you may think, even teens want to avoid online dangers — so it’s possible to protect your kids without causing at-home rebellion. 

While it’s not fail-proof, experts suggest a four-step method to make the process easier. The key is to create an open conversation space, where you and your kids can express concerns and reservations. Compromise also reduces the possibility of your child completely going against you, but decide which areas have the leeway and what’s non-negotiable. 

Also, keep a vigilant eye on the parental settings you apply. The digital space constantly evolves, so you may have to add or take away some controls every now and then. Also remember these tools, while helpful, can’t substitute your watchful eye as a parent.

FAQ

What do parental controls mean?

Parental controls block or limit inappropriate content and online dangers. The settings vary slightly between devices and parental apps, but generally, they include:

• Blocking adult websites
• Setting screen time limits
• Tracking location
• Monitoring incoming calls and messages
• Controlling who can see your kid’s social media accounts
• Keyloggers to review keystrokes made on the device
• Limiting specific content on certain websites
• Stopping pop-ups 
• Preventing data collection
• Disabling online sharing and account links

To take internet protection to the next level, you should consider combining it with a VPN. PIA uses the toughest encryption to anonymize your child’s traffic. This blocks potential snoopers and online predators from accessing vulnerable data and using it against your kids. 

Why are parental controls important?

Cyberbullying, child predators, violence, pornographic content, radicalization, and identity theft are just a few of online dangers your kids may come across. They usually hide among the content your children search for, like funny TikTok videos or Peppa Pig games. And with close-to-none surveillance, the internet quickly becomes a danger instead of a fun interactive experience. 

Remember, parental controls aren’t 100% effective as anything can seep through the protective cracks. Teach your child to stay vigilant and guide them through any unwanted experience with an open conversation. Also, encourage your child to use a VPN to protect their online activities and stop unwanted individuals from tracking their habits. 

Do parental controls affect children?

Screen time limits and content blocks might affect children to an extent, but apart from these, they likely won’t notice a difference. If anything, parental controls elevate their browsing as they won’t be afraid or worried after seeing inappropriate content. 

To add extra protection to your child’s device without affecting their screen time, use PIA. Our ultra-fast servers and secure encryption guarantee online anonymity. PIA’s protection stops snoopers from stalking your kids online too, letting you sleep better at night. If you need any help setting up our app, reach out to our 24/7 Customer Support. 

Do VPNs bypass parental controls?

They can with network-level restrictions. A VPN stops your router from recognizing which websites you’re visiting. This goes around local firewalls — including blocklisted websites. Since a VPN masks your IP address, it stops parental control apps using the device’s IP address, like Bark or Google Family Link, from working.

However, a VPN won’t bypass in-app parental controls, like content blocks on YouTube Kids. You can also still track your kid’s GPS location as a VPN doesn’t spoof a device’s GPS. 

The post How to Explain Parental Controls to Children and Implement Them Without a Fuss appeared first on PIA VPN Blog.

It’s estimated that the US sees a recession every 6-10 years. Additionally, our national deficit is around $2.2 trillion and the last major decrease it saw was when President Bill Clinton was in office. 

The good times are easy to manage, but how can we protect ourselves in an economic downturn? Understanding our current system and economic history in the US is a good start and we’ll dive into that in this article. You’ll also discover how to safeguard your finances and make smart investments before and during periods of economic stress.

Different Types of Economic Systems

The world operates on two main economic systems, capitalism and socialism. Still, a few countries use hybrid versions of both. Here’s a quick breakdown of how each type of main economic system, and a few hybrid versions, are run.

• Capitalist Economies: Private entities in addition to state entities, can own assets that allow them to profit and amass individual wealth on a large scale. These assets include land, machinery, buildings, businesses, technology, and anything else used to produce and sell goods and services. Capitalism is associated with the individual pursuit of profit and the benefit of a large competitive market. Generally, the government doesn’t intervene in competition between entities as capitalism promotes a free market. A free market allows buyers and sellers to determine the cost of goods and services. The US and UK have capitalist economic systems.

• Socialist Economies: In this economic system the government controls most goods and their production. As a general rule, the goal is for everyone to work and benefit equally. All goods and services produced in a socialist economic system are considered social products. The Government controls property, production, and distribution to keep track of production and ensure that all people in the country receive a fair share of the profits. Armenia and Portugal have socialist economies.

• Centralized Socialist Economies: In centralized socialism, the government controls and is the epicenter of the entire economy. Government officials determine what to produce, how much to produce, and how much to sell it for. China and North Korea have centralized socialist economies.

• Mixed Economies: A mixed economy uses one or more aspects of both capitalism and socialism to create a more free market while still allowing government intervention on a larger scale. Resource distribution, commerce, and trade have some degree of regular government intervention but supply and demand still determine prices. Businesses can still be considered private property and sellers can take self-interests into account. Denmark is a mixed economy.

Critical Economic Events in the US

The economic system in the US has been capitalist since the mid-17th century. Some argue that, due to minimal government involvement, it’s a mixed economy. Since it’s predominantly capitalist according to most economists, we’ll say it is to cut out all the gray areas. 

Regardless, the US economic history timeline has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs. Let’s take a brief look at some major financial and economic events that defined the last two centuries.

200 Years of History: A Brief US Economic Timeline

Investing in Your Future

In addition to saving and creating a budget, a huge part of financial planning is deciding when and if you plan on investing in assets. Investing your money can potentially increase your financial health. Savings accounts gain some interest but essentially the money sits there waiting, growing at a predetermined rate. It’s an excellent way to start securing your financial future but there’s more you can do. 

When you invest your money it goes to work for you. Investing creates the potential for long-term returns, reinvestment funds, and additional savings deposits. It may even help you beat inflation if you choose assets that exhibit capital growth. 

Stable Versus Volatile Investments

Stable investments are considered safe to invest in at any time, as they generally don’t undergo much change in the market. Volatile investments fluctuate but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t invest, it simply means there’s a risk of a sudden change in value. 

If you’re a first-time investor you may want to consider stable investments over volatile ones, but it depends on factors like your age and risk tolerance. Also, look for deep value or value stocks — these stocks and companies have good prospects and sound fundamentals. You can find a list of stable versus volatile investments in the table below, as well as a few options that can be considered if the right conditions exist.

For financial advice at any investor level, take a look at some of the podcast recommendations in Understanding and Celebrating Financial Awareness Day. There’s something for people of all financial literacy levels. 

How to Protect Yourself in a Financial Downturn

Fluctuations in your finances and the economy are bound to happen, history has taught us that much. Fortunately, you can prepare yourself before and protect yourself during times of financial crisis using the following tips.

Stick to Your Budget

A financial crisis isn’t the time to be buying big ticket items or ignoring your budget. If anything you should tighten your budget, cutting out any purchases that aren’t necessary. When wrestling with a big purchase decision, don’t make rash choices. Give yourself time to talk it over with a trusted friend or financial advisor. That way you can make an informed decision. 

Mind Your Credit

Try to avoid taking out high-interest credit lines with large limits, especially if you’re just starting to try and build your credit. Try to look for credit or store cards (e.g Amazon, Home Depot, Walmart) with $300-$500 limits — low limit options are a good place to start. Always check interest rates, late fees, and annual fees before committing to a line of credit. As your financial situation and credit score improve, you can increase your spending limit if necessary. 

Most banks and even some mobile phone providers report to credit agencies, so be mindful of paying these bills on time as they could impact your overall score. It’s also important to protect yourself against identity fraud in the digital age, where most accounts are accessed via the internet.

Get a Second Source of Income

Look for a temp position or pick up a second job if you have the time. An extra 10-30 hours every two weeks won’t put too much of a cramp in your lifestyle and provides additional funds to spend, save, or invest. You can also inquire about picking up additional shifts or hours where you already work, instead of looking to an outside source. The worst they can do is tell you there’s nothing available.

Start an Emergency Fund

Determine your monthly expenses, then try to keep at least that much in an emergency fund or savings account. I can tell you from experience, it’s harder than it sounds. Still, any amount that you can squirrel away each month is better than having no backup at all. Besides, by saving little by little you’ll reach your desired emergency fund amount eventually.

Investment Diversity

Diversifying your investments is the financial equivalent of not putting all of your ‘eggs’ in one basket. Don’t focus on a singular asset, try spreading your investments across several areas you’re interested in. This helps hedge against a complete investment meltdown if one of your assets tanks in the market. 

Secure Your Finances in Any Economy

The US economy frequently undergoes downturns as the nation continues to grow, but this is not characteristic of the US alone. Long periods of growth followed by slowdowns (or even contractions) seem to be a trait of all capitalist economies.

Is there an economic system that would be better for the US than the current one? Possibly. However, until we implement it, free market capitalism that slightly favors those with a lot of capital is what we’ve got.

While you may not be able to do much to change macroeconomics right now, you can take concrete steps to protect yourself in any market — all you need is a bit of preemptive planning. Budget accordingly, invest carefully (and only whatever money you can afford to lose), and don’t be afraid of a little hard work. Last, but certainly not least, please do not make investment decisions solely based on what you hear in the media. 

FAQs

What is the economic system in the United States?

Capitalism is the current economic system in the US, though the past few years have seen an increased interest in socialism. Most of this interest was increased by a large showing of millennial support for Senator Bernie Sanders during his 2016 and 2020 campaigns. Senator Sanders is the longest-serving Independent party member in congressional history. Some of his views, especially concerning healthcare and education, are considered socialist.

Is capitalism the best economic system?

There’s no way to answer that honestly. Both primary economic systems have pros and cons. Socialism arguably hands over too much control to the government, while capitalism allows a minority of the population to control the bulk of a nation’s wealth. The wrong mix of both can also lead to issues, as seen in some communist countries.

How many recessions has the US been through?

According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, the US has seen 19 major recessions in the 20th Century. Earlier recessions were not as well recorded, though there were 4 of note between 1797-1893, including the Reading Railroad collapse. Some statistics put the US at an average of one recession every 6-10 years.

Are there any safe investments during a financial recession?

CDs and high-value stocks are some of the safest options during a downturn. A good financial advisor can find ways for you to invest in US stocks safely during a financial recession or economic crisis. Our list of stable and volatile investments above also offers ideas for safe investments during any economic period.

The post What Is the US Economic System – How to Learn From the Past and Invest In Your Future appeared first on PIA VPN Blog.

What is Financial Awareness Day?

It’s probably not a huge coincidence that Financial Awareness Day, August 14, is also the anniversary of the Social Security Act (SSA). The SSA was signed by President Roosevelt in 1935 and eventually established unemployment, retirement, and health care benefits, along with support options for the disabled and more. Both Financial Awareness Day and the SSA draw attention to the importance of financial health, giving you a chance to create a plan that helps you stay out of debt and enjoy retirement one day — instead of worrying about bills.

Another important aspect of Financial Awareness Day is to teach people at any level of financial literacy that managing your finances doesn’t have to be headache-inducing. Anyone can increase their financial standing and learn how to make sound investments for their future.

Celebrating National Financial Awareness Day

Now that you know what Financial Awareness Day is, let’s take a look at some of the best ways to celebrate. 

1. Create An Overview of Your Current Financial Health

Evaluate your current financial situation and make a list of all your current assets. This includes market value for savings and checking accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate, 401k, and other retirement savings. To get a good view of your overall financial health, you also need to list your debts, including any type of personal, mortgage, and student loans as well as credit card balances. Next, list all the sources of income you have, then evaluate your expenses. Your list of expenses might include the following.

Debt payments 

Utilities 

Rent 

Cable/phone bills 

Food

Dining out and other entertainment

Travel expenses

Fixed maintenance expenses

You’ll get a good overall view of where the majority of your money goes each month and find places you can cut back. You can add the ‘found’ money to your savings account or invest it in other assets. On the other hand, you may find you need an additional source of income to meet your future financial goals. 

Either way, you’ll have a foundation to refer to and build on, just remember to update these lists as you pay off or add to your debts. That way, you’ll always have an accurate assessment of your financial health.

2. Make Small Changes in Your Spending Habits

The smallest changes can have a huge impact on your financial outlook, and it’s better to get into the habit of keeping track of your spending early in life. Here are a few options to get you started.

Cancel Subscriptions You Don’t Need

Quit reading that magazine but still paying for it? Haven’t watched Netflix in over a month? Cancel the subscription and put that ‘found’ money in savings. Chances are you’d rather watch those monthly fees pile up in your savings account instead of wasting money on services you don’t really use.

Plan A Night Out

We all need a night out once in a while, but try to avoid stopping in at fast food (or restaurants in general) after work several times a week. Yes, it’s convenient and on the surface, it seems cheaper. After a while, it can put a dent in your pocketbook. The same goes for the local bar, movie theater, and other entertainment venues. 

Instead of going out or buying takeout on a whim, plan your outings ahead of time so you know they fit into your budget. That also makes it easier to avoid overspending.

You can also look for alternatives to spending big on entertainment, like movie night in the park, going to see a band at a bar without a cover charge, two for one meal/drink deals, and more. All it takes is a quick internet search for free and cheap entertainment in your area or local restaurant deals. 

Evaluate Your Needs Versus Wants

Do I need this or do I just want it? There’s a big difference and in the fast-paced competitive world we live in, it’s easy to want to keep up with the Joneses. Personal finance goals are different for everyone — there is no one size fits all solution. Before making any large purchase ask yourself if it’s a necessity or an impulse buy.

3. Listen to an Investment/Finance Podcast

Podcasts are a dime a dozen but if you look, you can find excellent options for increasing your financial knowledge and discovering interesting investment opportunities. If you don’t know where to start, try one of the podcasts below:

• The Ramsey Show — An excellent podcast for beginner financial awareness enthusiasts. It offers actionable information on paying off debts, saving money, and more. The solutions they provide are practical for anyone who wants to get better at handling their money.
• The Investors Podcast — Okay, I cheated a bit on this one because it’s more a collection of podcasts than one particular podcast. You can find individual points of investment interest here. There’s something for investors at every stage. For example, you can listen to podcasts about investing in cryptocurrencies and real estate, or even investment strategies for different age groups.
• Money for the Rest of US — Straightforward, no-nonsense financial advice for even the most unaware. This podcast includes information on risk-taking on investments, how to make your money work for you, and more. The way the information is presented makes even advanced topics like Shadow Banking easy to understand.

4. Start a Savings Account

Don’t shame yourself if you haven’t yet, you’re not alone. Around 19% of Americans save none of their annual income, and 57% of those who do save put away 15 percent or less. Not staggering numbers when you discover that 58% of us live from paycheck to paycheck in the US. What better way to celebrate financial awareness than to finally open that savings account?

The national savings account interest rate is currently 0.10% on average but some banks offer anywhere from 1-5% — it’s worth shopping around if you can. That monthly deposit can add up pretty fast too, and you don’t need to go crazy adding large amounts right away. 

Starting small is better than not starting at all. If you can afford to put away more as your financial outlook changes, even better!

5. Buy Stock in a Company

Already have your savings built up, debts paid off, have your mortgage on track, and insured to the hil? Do something new – try investing in something. It’s a pretty interesting rabbit hole to crawl down. In addition to the stock market where you can buy shares of larger companies like Amazon or Microsoft, other markets exist for investing in things like cryptocurrency. 

Any investment carries some risk but some are riskier than others. Stable investments generally aren’t expected to fluctuate much and are considered a safer investment opportunity, these include certificates of deposit (CDs),  exchange traded funds (ETFs), government bonds, mutual and index funds, and real estate. V

olatile investments, including oil and gas, futures, options, and initial public offerings (IPOs) can fluctuate greatly depending on the market. Your age, financial position, as well as risk tolerance will influence what you should invest in.

Either way, professionals recommend not putting all of your money into one type of stock and starting slow. Don’t invest a ton of money right out of the gate. While doing your own research can go far, you might also want to consider consulting a financial expert who can provide financial advice that will be tailored to your needs and situation.

If you want to see more information about investing and finance over the years check out The US Economic System: A Brief History, where we dive into the topic a bit further.

6. Insure Your Home and Other Property

We invest a lot of money in getting our homes, furnishing them, having the latest gadgets, and making sure we have a working vehicle. These things need to be protected or it could cost thousands to replace them. Part of being financially aware is knowing how to protect what you currently own. 

Just about everything in your house can be insured, whether you own or rent. Most renters don’t think about insurance for their property because they don’t own their home but it’s equally important to homeowners insurance. 

One major tip for insuring property is to make a list of costly items in your home and then have them assessed to determine their current worth. This will make it easier to ensure you get the right amount of coverage. Not everything is worth covering but here is a list of things you’ll want to include.

• Expensive jewelry
• Electronics like computers, mobile devices, TVs, and appliances
• Collectibles of any value

Now, you may not want to pay that extra $9 a month to insure your mobile phone because ‘it’s just another fee’ but it can save you the cost of a new phone. With most mobile phones now costing anywhere from $300-$1,800, that’s nothing to sneeze at. 

7. Protect Your Identity Online

One thing that may not seem like a given when discussing financial awareness is protecting yourself against identity fraud. Much of the world accesses banking, credit card, and medical accounts online, meaning it’s easier than ever for cybercriminals to access your sensitive information. 

Once they have your name, SSN, and address, cybercriminals can open up fraudulent lines of credit in your name or potentially access your private accounts. Over 40% of identity fraud victims in the US in 2021, said the incident happened after holiday shopping online. Luckily, you can protect yourself while accessing sensitive accounts and shopping online using the following tips:

• Only shop with companies that offer secure versions of their site. The URL should look something like this: https://www.thestorenamehere.com. These sites offer Secure Socket Layer (SSL)/transport layer security (TLS) for enhanced communication security.
• Create secure passwords for accounts. Creating a good password requires that you follow important password best practices. Avoid using your name, initials, street address, or repetitive sequences of the same number. Additionally, don’t use personal things that people would generally associate with you or could easily find out, like your pet’s name or your mother’s maiden name.
• Log out of accounts you’re not using. Try to avoid remaining logged into accounts after you’ve finished shopping or checking your bank balance, especially if you use several different devices. It’s convenient to stay logged into apps on your phone and computer but it also leaves an opening for cybercriminals if you aren’t properly protected.
• Use a VPN. Private Internet Access offers unhackable encryption and strong tunneling protocols to protect your data during transit. You even get protection against data leaks and location tracking with our Kill Switch if your connection to the VPN is dropped for any reason. A VPN is an easy and practical way to keep your sensitive online data private. 

Protect Your Financial Future

Whether you decide to go it alone or get advice from a financial advisor, increasing financial awareness is an investment in your future. Learning healthy ways to manage, save, and invest your money, you create a game plan for financial success. You don’t even need to take a huge leap, just a step in the right direction. 

National Financial Awareness Day is the perfect time to take the first step on your path to gaining financial freedom — or reevaluate where you are with preexisting financial goals. That said, you don’t need a special day to increase your financial literacy, any time is a good time to educate yourself.

FAQ

What is National Financial Awareness Day?

National Financial Awareness Day is August 14th, in the US. It’s time to reflect on current and future financial goals. This special day is dedicated to helping you develop good financial habits, so you can spend less time worrying about debts and more time on the things money can’t buy — like friends and family.

How can you celebrate National Financial Awareness Day?

Use some of the options mentioned above, or learn a bit more about the history of finance in the US. Financial Awareness Day is an excellent time to revamp your budget, educate yourself on finances, or even add an extra $100 to your savings account. Anything that promotes fiscal responsibility is a great way to celebrate.

What month is Financial Literacy Month?

April is Financial Literacy Month in the US and has been since 2003. Financial Literacy Month focuses on increasing your confidence while making financial decisions and building literacy about key financial aspects, including budgeting, saving, investing, and reducing debt. 

In addition to National Financial Awareness Day and Financial Literacy Month, the US celebrates National Financial Planning Month in October.

What is financial planning?

It’s planning for your financial future, so you can enjoy your life and see results of your hard work. Some people build financial plans as long-term roadmaps to a comfortable retirement. Others use financial planning to reach short-term goals, like purchasing a vehicle or saving for a vacation. 

The best part is, you can start at any age. Take into account things like unexpected emergencies, future goals, investments, debts, expenses, income, and other important financial data. That way, you can determine the best financial plan for you based on your personal needs.

The post Understanding and Celebrating Financial Awareness Day appeared first on PIA VPN Blog.

Whether you’re trying to block websites to protect children from seeing inappropriate videos or minimize distractions, we’ve got you covered. With our simple guide, you’ll learn how to quickly create blocklists on iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, as well as on various browsers, and routers. 

As a parent, you may also wish to add extra protection with parental controls — don’t worry, we have all the info you need to set them up. We’ve even included bonus tips about making sure hackers don’t steal any private data!

Quick Guide: How to Block Websites On Any Device

How to Block Websites on iPhone and Android

Blocking websites on iOS devices works in reverse, as you need to create allowlists of sites you want access to. This is because Apple’s “Screen Time” automatically blocks all platforms when you choose to restrict website access.

Set Privacy Restrictions on iPhone, iPad, and iPod

1. Open “Settings” > “Screen Time”.

2. Tap on your child’s account at the bottom of the screen. If you don’t have one linked to your Apple ID, create a new one.

3. Click “Turn On Screen Time” and enter your passcode. 

4. Find “Web Content”. By default, Apple already turns off access to adult websites, but to create an allowlist you need to change the settings. 

5. Tap on “Allowed Websites Only” and take a look at the section underneath. Apple already suggests child-friendly apps you can allow, like Discovery Kids or Disney+. 

6. To add to another, simply click “Add Website” and type in the URL of the platform you want your child to access.

It gets trickier when you restrict sites on Android devices as they don’t have specific settings. The easiest option is to download an app from Google Play store to manage online content, such as BlockSite. Alternatively, you can blocklist specific platforms directly in your browser on your device, whether it’s Chrome, Firefox, or Opera. 

Blocklist Websites on Android Devices:

1. Open Google Play and download BlockSite (or another website blocking app of your choice).

2. Launch the app. Straight away, you’ll see the toggle to block adult websites and a “+” sign in the bottom right corner. Tap it to create your own list of blocklisted sites.

3. BlockSite also lets you create a schedule for when your blocklist should be on. This is helpful if your child uses the same devices as you, but you still want to use restricted sites when they’re in bed.

How to Block Websites on Windows and Mac

Windows and Mac have very straightforward settings for blocking online platforms. One uses Microsoft Family Safety available directly in your Microsoft account. The other offers “Screen Time” options found in “System Preferences”. Both methods let you restrict content in less than 5 minutes! 

Restrict Website Access on Windows:

1. Use this link to log in to your Microsoft account and access your family dashboard. 

2. Tap on your child’s account to open restriction settings. If you’re blocking websites for your own benefit, create a new underage profile under your main account.

3. Click “Web and search” to adjust website access. Scroll to the bottom of the settings until you see the tables for blocked and allowed sites.

4. Next, add URLs under “Blocked sites” to make a list of sites you want to block.

5. If you want, you can also create an allowlist of sites you can view. To do so, toggle “Only use allowed websites” and add allowed URLs.

Block Websites on Mac:

1. Open Screen Time in “Settings”. 

2. Find “App Limits” and click the plus sign.

3. You’ll see different app categories. Tick the one you’d like to restrict and use the drop-down menu to select specific apps. 

4. At the bottom of the list, you’ll see suggested websites with the same theme as the blocked app category. Screen Time even lets you add custom URLs as needed.

5. Once you tick an app or website, you’ll be able to set a time limit for each of them. This is handy if you need to minimize distractions during work or studying, or for when your kids are using the device.

How to Block Websites on Internet Browsers

Firefox, Opera, and Chrome don’t have built-in parental controls, so you need a browser extension to manage a list of restricted sites. Popular ones include BlockSite, FoxFilter, and Family Friendly Filter. For the purpose of this guide, we’ll use BlockSite as an example.

Create a URL blocklist in Chrome, Firefox, and Opera:

1. Go to your browser’s app store and search for “Block Sites”. This will display all compatible extensions aimed at controlling online content.

2. Tap on “Add” to put one in your extension list.

3. Open the extension list in your browser. Chrome has it under a puzzle piece icon, Firefox hides it in “Add-ons and themes” settings, and Opera uses a cube sign. 

4. Find “BlockSite” and open its settings.

5. From there, you can paste in the URL you want to block and press “Add rule” to restrict it. You can also choose specific scheduling for each blocked website.

Alternatively, Google Chrome has a Family Link app (which is a parenting control software) with an easy way to restrict inappropriate websites. While it’s aimed at keeping children safe, you can freely use it to block sites for yourself.  

The app is only available on iOS and Android devices, so you’ll have to set up your restrictions on a mobile phone or tablet. It’ll apply to all linked devices though.

Add Banned Websites to Chrome Using the Family Link App:

1. Open the Family Link app and tap on your child’s profile. If they don’t have one, create an underage user account.

2. Click on “Settings” > “Manage Settings” > “Filters on Google Chrome”.

3. Choose the level of restrictions you want to apply. Then, go into “Manage Sites” and choose websites to blocklist. You can also create a list of approved sites.

4. Additionally, you can change site permissions and settings in “Chrome Dashboard”. 

Microsoft Edge and Safari don’t currently have any compatible site-blocking extensions. If either of them are your default browser, you’ll need to create a blocklist directly on your device or home network.

How to Block Websites on Routers

Placing site restrictions on your router lets you control what platforms stay blocked on the entire network. It’s useful if you don’t want to waste time playing around with settings on every device, or your kids aren’t cooperating with parental controls. 

Some routers (like Huawei or PTCL router) may need different configurations. PTCL routers have a separate parental control section in their settings, which lets you quickly adjust allowed sites. Just log in to your router through the browser and tap on “Advanced settings” to access it. 

If you have a Huawei router, you need to go into “Functions” and find “Security Settings”. There, you’ll see an entire parental controls tab. Tap on “Website Filtering” and set up new blocklists of restricted sites. You’ll need to restart the router once you’re done for the settings to work. 

What Are Online Parental Controls and Why You Need to Use Them

Parental controls describe any software used to control what your children use electronic devices for. They filter or completely block upsetting online content, and keep children safe from online dangers. This includes online predators, internet addiction, cyberbullying, pornographic content, and radicalization.

Many devices come with a set of built-in parental settings to keep children safe online. These are handy for creating website blocklists as you can set them up directly on your child’s iPhone or MacBook. However, you may also wish to download a parental control app to get more options, such as setting screen time limits, location tracking, and making sure your child isn’t sneaking past existing blocks. 

Parental Control Apps vs Manual Blocking

Parental control apps and manual blocking essentially do the same thing — they help you limit available online content. The only difference is the additional features parental controls offer, which includes setting screen time restrictions or working schedules and disabling unauthorized purchases. These aren’t exactly necessary if you don’t have kids, unless you want to restrict your own browsing. 

However, parental controls come in clutch when devices or apps don’t have manual site blocks. This applies to all online browsers and most Android phones or tablets. Downloading a parental control app saves you the hassle of getting separate programs for each platform, making the process easier.

Best Parental Control Apps

With hundreds of parental control apps circulating the market, it may be difficult to find the most reliable ones. We’ve dug deep and far to recommend the ones offering the best features for a reasonable price – because protecting your children shouldn’t come at a high cost.

Parental Control App	Pros	Cons
NetNanny	Most extensive web filters Easy-to-navigate intuitive interface Sends notifications when your child breaks the rules Comes with geolocation and screen time management settings	Quite pricey subscription plans Not all features are available on iOS
Qustodio	Screens incoming texts and calls Supports all popular operating systems Wide choice of features, including screen time management	Web filters don’t always work Expensive subscription
Bark	Monitors in-app conversations Notifies you about inappropriate activity on your child’s device One plan included unlimited device use 7-day free trial	Limited features on iOS Call and text monitoring only for premium subscribers
FamilyTime	Uses alert systems for emergency and non-emergency contacts Sends notifications about your child leaving and arriving at certain points Special pornography blocks GPS tracking	Doesn’t work on Windows Easy to delete for kids Some features don’t work as well as they’re still in development
Norton Family	Designed for Windows users In-depth web filtering and monitoring Lets you review your child’s search history Works on unlimited devices for all of your kids	Not compatible with macOS Limited features on mobile apps

VPNs and Parental Controls

A VPN reroutes your traffic through an independent server network. This gives your device a new IP address and changes your virtual location, which elevates any parental controls you apply. Additionally, a VPN anonymizes your traffic with tough encryption and privacy protection that makes your data undecipherable to hackers, snoopers, or online predators.  

In simple terms, a VPN is like a blanket you can hide under with a good book. All of the information underneath this protective layer is invisible to the outside world, creating your own privacy haven.

PIA provides all the security benefits you can think of. We never limit your speeds or bandwidth, so you won’t experience lagging or buffering. We also have thousands of servers to choose from and an app for all devices. And you can get PIA to secure your child’s devices without risk with our 30-day money-back guarantee!

Easily Block Websites on Any Device You Want

Aside from being a fairly dangerous place for kids, the internet can be highly distracting to all of us. Whether you want to restrict inappropriate content or make sure you don’t scroll through TikTok during work hours, blocking online platforms is the way forward. 

Even though not all devices make it easy to create blocklists, using our instructions will help you set everything up on iOS, Android, and other operating systems in no time.

If you’re blocking websites as a part of parental restrictions, you should also consider combining it with a VPN connection. This ensures your children’s data stays completely anonymous as they’re enjoying their screen time safely. You can put these claims to the test when you sign up for PIA using our 30-day money-back guarantee. 

FAQs

What are parental controls?

Parental controls mean deciding what your child can and cannot see or do online. Common features include screen time limits, website blocking, filtering inappropriate content, turning off in-app purchases, and much more. Combined, these protect children from various online dangers, such as predators, cyberbullying, internet addiction, and radicalization. 

How do I set parental controls?

First, check if your device has built-in parental control settings, such as Apple’s Screen Time. Some operating systems, like most Androids, need an external app to control what your child can do online. In that case, head to the default app store and download a suitable program like Qustodio, Norton Family, Bark, NetNanny, and FamilyTime. 

Once you install it, launch the parental control app and go through available settings. Just remember to explain parental controls to kids before you set anything up to make sure they understand why you’re implementing them.

Is it possible to block a specific website?

Yes, you can block any website by typing in or pasting specific URLs into your device’s settings or special app/browser extension. How you do this depends on what operating system you use, so it’s best you follow the appropriate instructions above. 

Blocking inappropriate websites isn’t always enough. You need a VPN to mask your activity and stop snoopers from getting your personal information. PIA has a strict No Logs Policy and keeps your search history anonymous at all times. It also comes with a money-back guarantee, so you can use PIA to protect your online activity without any risk. 

How do I block a site on Chrome, Firefox, or Safari?

Since these browsers don’t have website blocking settings, you need to install a browser add-on, like BlockSite, FoxFilter, or Family Friendly Filter. Chrome also lets you manage website access on Android through its Google Family Link app. All options are easy to use and work exactly the same. 

Unfortunately, Safari doesn’t support web-blocking software. Instead, you need to use Screen Time settings on iOS or macOS and restrict websites directly from it.

To protect your search history, you should also consider adding a VPN extension to your browser. PIA has add-ons for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, which work just like our VPN apps — but without having to set it up on the whole device. 

Is it possible to set parental controls and use a VPN at the same time?

Of course! It’s a great idea because a VPN adds an extra layer of protection. The software masks your real location and encrypts your traffic, stopping snoopers from getting hold of any personal information. Combined with parental controls, it ensures your children stay clear of online dangers hiding in the internet’s dark corners.

If you need any additional information on how PIA can elevate your parental controls, contact our friendly Customer Support team. PIA’s VPN experts work around the clock to answer any of your queries.

The post How to Block Websites on iPhone (& Any Device) — A Guide for Parents Looking to Minimize Distractions appeared first on PIA VPN Blog.

What Is Whistleblowing?

A whistleblower is a person who reports certain wrongdoings within their organization. Not all instances of reporting are considered whistleblowing. It all depends on the issue reported. 
Whistleblowing usually involves highlighting any criminal wrongdoings which affect the health and safety of others, or pose environmental risks. If you report a+ fraud coverup or if you know about a miscarriage of justice and let the relevant authorities know, you’re considered a whistleblower. 

What Is National Whistleblower Appreciation Day?

National Whistleblower Appreciation Day, July 30th, 2022, marks the 244th anniversary of the US passing the first American whistleblower law, which came into effect on July 30th, 1778. In 2013, the US Senate unanimously agreed to honor National Whistleblower Appreciation Day, on July 30th. This day serves as a reminder of whistleblowers’ important contributions to preserving the laws and democracy of the US.

During the American Revolution, 10 whistleblowers came forward with reports of misconduct committed by a superior officer in the Continental Navy. When the forefathers learned some of them were being prosecuted for their decision to come forward, they took action. They voted to spend money from the government’s treasury to pay lawyers to defend the whistleblowers.

World-Famous Whistleblowers

These are some of the most iconic whistleblowers in US history who make us proud to support National Whistleblower Appreciation Day, July 30th.

Sherron Watkins
Sherron Watkins is a former Enron vice president who exposed the company’s improper accounting methods. In 2002, she testified before US Senate and House of Representatives members about the situation. The public criticized her for not coming forward sooner.  

Toni Savage
Dr. Savage was a contracting officer with the Army Corps of Engineers in Alabama. In 2006, Savage reported contract fraud in the Army’s Ranges Program. In retaliation, Savage was removed from her position, denied awards, faced hostility, and endured insensitive and racist statements. She was terminated in 2009.

Bradley Birkenfeld
Bradley Birkenfeld is a former wealth manager and banker at UBS. He was the first international banker to expose US citizens’ illegal offshore accounts in Switzerland. Birkenfeld was given $104 million as a reward for his whistleblowing which resulted in the recovery of over $25 billion in taxes.  

Jane Turner
Jane Turner was a special agent for the FBI. In 1999, she reported misconduct regarding the FBI’s failure to prosecute crimes against children. She also reported misconduct regarding the potential theft of items from the 9/11 crime scene by FBI personnel. Turner was removed from her position and sexually discriminated against. 

Aaron Westrick
Dr. Westrick was the research director for Second Chance Body Armor. He blew the whistle on defective vests produced and sold to police officers. His actions cost him his job but saved the lives of many police officers. 

Edward Snowden
Edward Snowden is a former computer intelligence consultant for the NSA. He developed concerns about the programs he was involved in but was ignored when he raised them internally. He leaked classified NSA information and, as a result, was charged with theft of government property and faced two counts of violating the Espionage Act of 1917. 

Cynthia Cooper
Cynthia was the vice president of Internal Audit at Worldcom. Cooper and her team investigated and revealed $3.8 billion worth of fraud at Worldcom in 2002. To recognize her for her discovery and whistleblowing, she was named one of the Time’s Persons of the Year in 2002. 

Mark Felt
Mark Felt was the FBI associate director involved in the Watergate scandal. He was the anonymous source, codenamed “Deep Throat”, who leaked critical information about the Watergate scandal leading to President Nixon resigning.

A. Ernest Fitzgerald
Mr. Fitzgerald was a government employee who blew the whistle on a $2.3 billion cost overrun involving the Lockheed C-5 aircraft. He testified before congress about the issue and saved the government $273 million. Fitzgerald was accused of leaking classified information and fired by President Nixon.

Frederic Whitehurst
Frederic Whitehurst was a special agent in the FBI. He investigated and blew the whistle on scientific misconduct and procedural errors he noticed in the lab. In retaliation, the FBI attacked his credibility, criticized his claims, and fired him. After 10 years, the FBI investigated his claims, and 40 major reforms were made. 

Is Whistleblowing Risky?

Even though it’s for a good cause, blowing the whistle can leave you vulnerable within your organization. Before you raise issues, think about any repercussions and make an action plan on how you’ll deal with the reaction of your peers and the organization’s leadership.

You could be removed from your position or even fired if your identity is revealed after you blow the whistle. Industry players could blacklist you for your role in blowing the whistle on issues within your organization.

Your colleagues may label you as a traitor and treat you as such. You could be bullied and subjected to different types of harassment based on your sex, age, race, religion, and sexuality. Prepare yourself mentally for these scenarios, be strong, remain steadfast, and stick to your values.

Your colleagues may label you as a traitor and treat you as such. You could be bullied and subjected to different types of harassment based on your sex, age, race, religion, and sexuality. Prepare yourself mentally for these scenarios, be strong, remain steadfast, and stick to your values.

You could face lawsuits if your whistleblowing reveals you’re involved in any illegal activities.

You could face lawsuits if your whistleblowing reveals you’re involved in any illegal activities.

Is your goal to preserve the integrity of your organization, or do you wish to see it dismantled? The way you report information and who you report it to can determine if the issue is quietly dealt with internally or is dealt with in the courts.

How Do You Become a Whistleblower?

Whistleblowing isn’t just about exposing information you may consider to be juicy gossip. You will be reporting offenses that are potentially criminal, so you should consider the process and repercussions. You should find out if it will affect your career, how your actions could affect your family and friends, and how your family and friends will treat you. 

You need to carefully identify people who won’t betray you during the process. When you solicit the help of coworkers or external individuals who don’t have the same moral compass or have more to gain from exposing your plans, they can derail you. If you can uncover and report the unlawful or unethical situation on your own, you should do so. It’s even better if you can complete the process while staying anonymous. 

If your identity is discovered illegally, you may not face prosecution, but that doesn’t mean you’re completely safe. Your organization can still retaliate against you, by firing or harassing you. Some entities will try to invade your privacy so they can collect data to attack your credibility. Use PIA VPN to scramble your data in transit and install our antivirus to protect your devices from breaches.

In some situations, it’s best to report unethical or egregious procedures through internal channels. When you have a certain level of confidence that your leadership team can adequately address the situation, you should start there. Remember, if you expose issues internally, your identity is known, so if you go public with your report afterwards you can’t do it anonymously. 

Sometimes, the best solution is to raise issues publicly first, eg. when the perpetrators are high-ranking individuals. When you do this, resolutions are usually faster, which means reduced opportunities for coverups.

Best Practices of Whistleblowing

To keep yourself protected when you blow the whistle, follow these best practices:

Find a knowledgeable lawyer who can guide you through the process.

Develop a plan and don’t do things on a whim.

Figure out how to stay anonymous while you collect and reveal evidence. You can use a VPN to conceal your internet activity, but remember, encrypted traffic can draw attention to you. Use a VPN like Private Internet Access with a multi-hop feature that obfuscates your traffic to hide your VPN use.  

Don’t “interview” co-workers and make it obvious to everyone you’re asking questions. Try to be discrete and engage inconversations about the topic when it feels natural. Don’t rush your evidence-gathering process; only gather as much information as needed.  

Meet with informants away from your organization. This makes it harder to identify you as the whistleblower. It’s even better if you can use proxies to do meetups for you, allowing you to stay anonymous.

Do Whistleblowers Benefit from Special Legal Status?

The US has multiple whistleblowing laws such as the False Claims Act which allows whistleblowers to sue those who defraud the government on its behalf. Additionally, Federal government employees are protected under The Whistleblower Protection Act with some exceptions including those who work for the FBI.

Members of the intelligence community are protected under the Intelligence Community Whistleblower Protection Act of 1998 and the FBI Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2016. 

Can Anyone Become a Whistleblower?

Whistleblowing is risky but necessary. It’s important for someone to take on the responsibility to maintain the integrity of organizations and government agencies if the need arises. 

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to report criminal or fraudulent activities, you should plan how you will execute the process. Follow our best practices for whistleblowing to remain anonymous and safe from retaliation. Try to anticipate possible reactions if your identity is revealed and prepare for them.

FAQ

What is National Whistleblower Appreciation Day?

July 30th marks the anniversary of the US passing the first American whistleblower law on July 30th, 1778. This day is a reminder of the important contributions multiple whistleblowers have made to preserving and improving US laws.

When do we celebrate National Whistleblower Appreciation Day?

In 2013, the US Senate unanimously agreed to honor July 30th as National Whistleblower Appreciation Day. It encourages others to blow the whistle on egregious situations and also reminds them about the dangers of blowing the whistle without protecting their anonymity. 

What is July 30th?

July 30th is National Whistleblower Appreciation Day. It’s also the day ‘In God we trust” became the US’s national motto on July 30th, 1956. Uruguay defeated Argentina on this day in 1930 to win the first ever football World Cup. The Republic of Vanuatu also celebrates its independence on this day.

What are the risks of becoming a whistleblower?

Becoming a whistleblower has many risks. You may lose your job, experience harassment, become a victim of doxxing, have your credibility attacked, and other organizations could blacklist you. If you reveal you were involved in any illegal activities, you could also end up in prison. Secure your online traffic and mitigate some of these risks. 

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