In regard to online survey, some respondents hide their precise whereabouts or online activities through the use of proxies and VPNs. Even though the driving force can be different, there are risks in using such tools that one should keep in mind. In this post, we will explore the world of proxies and VPNs and the need for caution.
Understanding Proxies and VPNs:
- Proxies: Acting as mediators between users and the internet, proxies mask their IP addresses, thus making multiple users one. Proxies have no encryption and are resource-saving and cheap in contrast to VPNs.
- VPNs: Virtual Private Networks build encrypted tunnels between a user and a remote server, hiding the exact sites they visit. VPNs permit a higher degree of privacy, but sometimes they are implemented by workplaces for security purposes.
The Pitfalls of Free Services:
Relying on free proxy services can be risky. That is possible when these services are in the wrong hands. This could mean that the providers will mine personal data, give ad impressions to the users as targets, or even give rise to cases of credit card theft and malware infection. The major ones track user behaviors and could be embedded with programs to spy on them.
Workplace VPN Considerations:
Employers might use VPNs to control employee internet access so that they don’t access sites like social media. However, when undertaking surveys via work VPN, the survey company’s side may not be the person to face the issues. Be careful since your employer can monitor your online activities.
Identifying Proxy Users:
Addresses of IPs are scrutinized by polling organizations for consistency. For e.g. your claimed location is the U.S., but your IP shuffles between Germany and Canada, you may trigger suspicion. Certain proxy services concerning IP ranges that are identifiable enough could cause such survey panels to block entire IP ranges, thereby affecting users.
Consequences of Proxy Usage:
Although some users might be able to get away with it, using a proxy may result in the loss of survey earnings or account status. Sites using online surveys may get to the point where they will verify your identity when you are requesting withdrawals of money, which they can do by either blocking your account or asking further questions.
Survey Sites without Proxy Needs:
There are some paid survey sites that may be used by any person without featuring any proxy usage. Examples include:
- TGM Panel: Global online survey that is accessible through phone or desktop with the reward of cash.
- me: Get cash surveys, micro tasks, and more via PayPal, Skrill, bitcoin, or gift cards.
- Surveyeah: Distinctive is that the service provides surveys that do not require long contact details, email, gender, and year of birth is sufficient.
Final Cautionary Notes:
On the one hand, user privacy is of a concern. However, employing proxies or VPNs with survey sites could constitute a threat to accounts and income. I recommend that you read and check the terms and conditions of a survey site to verify compliance.
If you prioritize privacy, then Surveyeah is the best platform you should use, a platform built to uphold user privacy and no proxies are necessary. If this practice continues, it can cut off the survey link when you visit the new survey sites or when you take a survey. Thus, in order to prevent the probable problem in the future, you can always disable the proxy usage.