Help me understand VPN on iPad Pro

[Fatyank]

This morning I turned on my iPad Pro 12.9 2nd gen and the VPN symbol was on at top left of screen. I checked in settings and VPN had been selected but I had not done that. Did some research online and found a bunch of info on VPN but not sure I understand its purpose. Does the iPad have a built in VPN app? Why would it just come on if I didn’t select? NOTE: My iPhone 7 Plus had the same thing happen today. What does VPN do? Do I need to pay for this service?
I have “Lookout Security” app installed. I did receive an update yesterday evening to the app so I checked their website to see if that caused my VPN to turn on. Nothing there. I’m not having any performance issues and I know I can just turn it off in settings but from what I’ve read it seems I may want to use it.
Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[CE3]

The VPN name/configuration should be right there in Settings > VPN

Does anyone else use the device? While not difficult, adding a VPN configuration would not happen on its own, or be there by default.

 

[MBAir2010]

VPN blocks ads on silly websites that are on the safari app.
But
i don't understand why i need to turn off the iPad's VPN app to watch our cable company app tv.
and
does VPN block duck duck go web searches?
i aslo don't understand abbreviations, kinda find them annoying.
what if Caesar said: "FRC, LMYE!"

 

[CE3]

@Expobill The DuckDuckGo search issue you’re having is an old bug in Safari that Apple has yet to fix.

 

[MBAir2010]

@Expobill The DuckDuckGo search issue you’re having is an old bug in Safari that Apple has yet to fix.

thanks! duck duck go does not go even when i try searching ducks, more ducks and gooses
so i use Ecosia but half the time forget and use duck duck go with blank results
then i toss the iPad into that vat of enriched plutonium and use the macbook air.

 

[Fatyank]

It looks like "Lookout Security" added VPN to their premium beta plan. I am a tester for it. When I looked at VPN in settings, it showed Lookout as a connection. I've contacted them to verify. It's part of their "Safe Browsing" option.

 

[MBAir2010]

ummm..... did this question get answered?

 

[Fatyank]

ummm..... did this question get answered?

Not sure if you mean the "duck-duck" question or VPN! I was able to find out how VPN was turned on. See my previous post. As for what VPN does, I have a very technically minded friend who explained it to me. In much more detail than I needed but it makes sense now.
VPN comes on when Lookout Security has Safe Browsing turned on.The only time I turn "Safe Browsing" off is when I use my Ravpower Hub. If i have Safe Browsing on, my iPad and hub will not connect.