Microsoft added VPN to its Edge browser
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. A VPN creates a secure connection between two devices and encrypts data being transmitted over the Internet. This makes it difficult for hackers to intercept and steal information. With the addition of VPN to Edge, users now have access to encrypted connections while browsing the web.
VPN enabled by default
Microsoft is making it easier than ever to use a VPN. By enabling VPN by default, users no longer need to go through the hassle of finding and installing third-party software.
Why did they do this?
Microsoft wants to make sure that their users are safe online. In order to protect people’s privacy, Microsoft decided to add VPN to Edge by default.
The VPN feature, known as “Microsoft Edge Secure Network,” has rolled out to a limited selection of users in the latest Edge Canary version. Edge has not come up with its proprietary VPN service. Rather, the new privacy tool is the result of the tech giant’s partnership with Cloudflare. The latter provides a secure server network through which the data is routed.
Although the Cloudflare-powered VPN service will hide your IP address, encrypt your data, and send it through a secure network (much like a regular VPN), it lacks one important feature users seek in a virtual private network: an ability to bypass geo-block. In the case of Edge’s VPN, you won’t be able to choose any server location you want since your data will automatically be routed through a Cloudflare server near to where you live.
Sensitive cyber security subject
As some Hacker News readers pointed out, this move is not necessary a good security update for the Edge users, because all the traffic will go through the Cloudflare’s network.
andrewstuart2, for example stated that:
Why do I always get a bad feeling about the motivations behind stuff like this? I want to believe it’s for better privacy and security, but it’s being driven by a corporation or two, and that makes me 100% suspicious. Like, for example, suddenly Edge is no longer respecting local DNS options and my pihole protects one fewer device from the real dangers to privacy. I don’t want to be cynical so often, but this really doesn’t feel like a benevolent move. Yeah, it’s conditional at the moment, but as with Chrome and manifest v3, among many other examples, I’m losing my faith that anything with the potential to increase ad revenue will remain turned off for long.
while another user, with the nickname “Schnurpel” said that:
Actually, with a VPN, you need to trust the VPN provider AND the site you’re connecting to…
Microsoft is trying to get more market share for its Edge Browser, but it’s hard to compete even with the newcomers, such as Brave or Vivaldi.
