Opera Web Browser for OS X Gains Free Unlimited VPN Feature

[MacRumors]

Norway-based company Opera Software has integrated a virtual private network (VPN) feature into the latest developer version of its free Opera web browser for OS X.

A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel from the user's computer to the VPN server, hiding browsing activity from other users on the local network and enhancing security and privacy online. A VPN shields a user's real IP address, allowing them to bypass firewalls, block tracking cookies, and access geo-restricted content regardless of their true location.

VPNs usually come in the form of separate plug-ins or apps that require a paid subscription, making Opera one the first major browsers to include one as standard. The launch of the feature comes after Opera's acquisition of U.S. VPN company SurfEasy last March.

Currently Opera's built-in VPN allows users to choose virtual locations in the US, Canada, and Germany. Opera says more countries will be available when the feature makes it to the stable public release of the browser.

Mac users can download Opera 38 developer release and give the free, unlimited VPN a try. After installation, simply click "Opera" in the menu bar, select "Preferences" and toggle the VPN switch on.

According to Global Web Index, more than half a billion people (24 percent of the world's online population) have tried or are currently using VPN services. According to the research, the primary reasons people use a VPN are for better access to entertainment content, browser anonymity, and the ability to access sites restricted by their workplace or country.

In January, Netflix began blocking users who try to bypass country-based content restrictions by using a VPN. Canadian subscribers to the streaming service appear to have been the latest targets of the crackdown after VPN-tunnelled users in the country began seeing error messages on their screens over the weekend when trying to access the service's much larger U.S. catalogue of movies and TV series.

Article Link: Opera Web Browser for OS X Gains Free Unlimited VPN Feature

 

[qtrim]

This should make it really convenient for the FBI/NSA to gather all your browsing data with just one request. Or perhaps they already have direct feed.

 

[OneMike]

This is good in a way. There are legitimate uses for a VPN. I use this at times for testing outside of the network

 

[cerote]

This should make it really convenient for the FBI/NSA to gather all your browsing data with just one request. Or perhaps they already have direct feed.

I'm pretty sure ISPs hand it over pretty easy already.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

This should make it really convenient for the FBI/NSA to gather all your browsing data with just one request. Or perhaps they already have direct feed.

I'm not sure what a VPN has to do with anything above. You must think the above is not possible w/o a VPN. With or w/o a VPN web traffic is still flowing through an ISP. A VPN protects you a little better from amateur snoopers when you are using public wi-fi. That's all.

 

[vooke]

In January, Netflix began blocking users who try to bypass country-based content restrictions by using a VPN. Canadian subscribers to the streaming service appear to have been the latest targets of the crackdown after VPN-tunnelled users in the country began seeing error messages on their screens over the weekend when trying to access the service's much larger U.S. catalogue of movies and TV series.

Well, Netflix is doing a poor job because I can access all US contents from my cave in East Africa

 

[Menopause]

This should make it really convenient for the FBI/NSA to gather all your browsing data with just one request. Or perhaps they already have direct feed.

And why are you this paranoid about the law, presuming you are not doing something illegal?

 

[centauratlas]

And why are you this paranoid about the law, presuming you are not doing something illegal?

Read the book "Three Felonies a Day" (or even just the summary) and selective enforcement and you'll have a better understanding of the issues.

 

[Shirasaki]

Well, Netflix is doing a poor job because I can access all US contents from my cave in East Africa

And Netflix is implementing region restrictions even further now?
Although I don't use Netflix.

 

[KALLT]

That Opera is not planning to charge for this for the time being, makes me wonder how much they thought this through to begin with. Operating a VPN costs money, a lot of money when people use it for streaming media.

Well, Netflix is doing a poor job because I can access all US contents from my cave in East Africa

They haven’t been applying blockades to everyone yet. I can use it just fine, whereas my brother (living in the same country) cannot, even with the same VPN provider. He tried others too, but to no avail.

 

[CmdrLaForge]

Hey thats great news. I will definitely try this. Hope it is fast and easy to setup.

 

[Pbrutto]

This still exists?

 

[Michaelgtrusa]

Has Opera been sold to china yet?

 

[bekiil]

Great news for users in countries like Russia, China, Iran, SA, Cuba, etc etc. Hope they download this before their suppressive governments notices this.

 

[Shirasaki]

Has Opera been sold to china yet?

If it is, then there would be no VPN alike at all.
[doublepost=1461248724][/doublepost]

Great news for users in countries like Russia, China, Iran, SA, Cuba, etc etc. Hope they download this before their suppressive governments notices this.

Version is not the problem. Problem is if those citizens could use it.

 

[vertsix]

Looks nice on paper, but how fast?

Most free VPNs are extremely slow.

 

[Godzirra]

Thought I'd give it a go. Went to Neflix US and it worked for about an hour, before I got a 'whoops, something went wrong, it seems you're using a proxy, blah, blah, blah' Hasn't worked since, which is a shame as I've always preferred the US content to the UK.

 

[AlexH]

Nice move, Opera. I'll give it a shot.

 

[thisisnotmyname]

And why are you this paranoid about the law, presuming you are not doing something illegal?

this comment combined with your avatar made me laugh.

I hope I'm correct in assuming you are being sarcastic though.

 

[BeefCake 15]

I'm not sure what a VPN has to do with anything above. You must think the above is not possible w/o a VPN. With or w/o a VPN web traffic is still flowing through an ISP. A VPN protects you a little better from amateur snoopers when you are using public wi-fi. That's all.

Please explain further, assuming a non-compromised PC/OS to begin with.

 

[T-R-S]

I looked at yes it's free for 7 days - after that is $3.99 /month
maybe I am missing something???

 

[MarsViolet]

I looked at yes it's free for 7 days - after that is $3.99 /month
maybe I am missing something???

You didn't download Opera Developer.

 

[BingoBlue]

If you download the correct version it is free; need to watch out for the WebRTC leak - most of the extensions fail to correctly resolve the issue on the Opera browser. Not something to have any concern with when using a VPN and Safari hence the need for the reminder!

 

[Mr.Brossard]

This should make it really convenient for the FBI/NSA to gather all your browsing data with just one request. Or perhaps they already have direct feed.

They already collect everything.

 

[MarsViolet]

They already collect everything.

The NSA and the FBI can sniff my junk all they want. What I'm concerned about is ads for that sex toy I looked at following me from Amazon to Facebook and then somehow ending up in my mother's Inbox.