About Your Internet Service Provider
Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is the company that provides your internet connection. ISPs own and operate the network infrastructure that connects you to the internet. They assign IP addresses to their customers and route traffic between your devices and the rest of the internet.
ISPs can see all unencrypted internet traffic passing through their network. This includes which websites you visit, when you visit them, and how much data you transfer. While HTTPS encryption protects the content of your communications, ISPs can still see the domains you connect to.
What Your ISP Knows About You
- Browsing History: Domain names of websites you visit
- Connection Times: When and how long you're online
- Data Usage: How much data you upload and download
- Device Information: Types and number of connected devices
- Location: Your physical address and connection location
- DNS Queries: All domain lookups unless using encrypted DNS
Types of ISPs
- Cable: Internet via coaxial cable TV lines
- DSL: Internet via telephone lines
- Fiber: High-speed internet via fiber-optic cables
- Satellite: Internet via satellite communication
- Cellular: Mobile internet via 4G/5G networks
- Fixed Wireless: Internet via radio signals to fixed locations
Protecting Your Privacy from Your ISP
To limit what your ISP can see:
- Use a VPN: Encrypts all traffic and hides destinations from your ISP
- Use HTTPS: Ensures website content is encrypted
- Use Encrypted DNS: DNS-over-HTTPS or DNS-over-TLS
- Use Tor: Provides strong anonymity but slower speeds
- Read Privacy Policies: Understand your ISP's data practices