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PrivadoVPN has released a small update that brings PhantomMode to its iOS app.
The feature blocks ads and trackers and protects you even when you're not connected to the VPN.
Protecting your personal information
PrivadoVPN version 3.12 brings PhantomMode to its iPhone VPN app. The update's release notes says PhantomMode "prevents personal information from being sent to third-parties."
The feature blocks ads and reduces trackers. PrivadoVPN says PhantomMode "removes tracking data from your apps before it can be sent to the app's servers." In-app information says the ad-blocker "helps reduce the amount of data you use regularly."
PhantomMode works in the background, even when you're not connected to a VPN server.
To enable PhantomMode, click the three lines in the top left of your PrivadoVPN app to bring up the Preferences side bar and select PhantomMode. You can then toggle App Tracking Protection and App Ad Blocker on and off. You'll be able to see the number of trackers and ads blocked while the protection feature has been active.
PhantomMode is not available for PrivadoVPN Free subscribers – it is a premium feature only. The free app is one of the best free VPNs, with a 10GB monthly data limit. However, upgrading to the premium version only costs $30 upfront, the equivalent of $1.11 per month.
Enhancements for WireGuard
Alongside PhantomMode, PrivadoVPN has "optimized the login process" for those dealing with ISP-level network restrictions. This is actually referring to the VPN connection rather than account login.
PrivadoVPN confirmed to Tom's Guide that the addition of "Protocol Inspection Bypass" is "an optional enhancement to the WireGuard connection process for users who may run into connectivity issues due to ISP or country-level restrictions."
Standard WireGuard connections may be blocked due to internet censorship or various ISP-related restrictions. Toggling on the feature helps avoid certain types of protocol filtering, enabling a successful connection in more restrictive environments.
PrivadoVPN didn't reveal the technical details of how the feature works but said it has seen successful results in "Russia, China, and parts of the Middle East" – regions where internet restrictions are more prevalent.
Protocol Inspection Bypass has been added to iOS after customer feedback. To enable it, bring up the Preferences side bar, click VPN Protocols, select WireGuard, and toggle it on and off.
PrivadoVPN says this is only for people who experience connectivity difficulties with regular WireGuard. If you're not having any trouble, you don't need to enable Protocol Inspection Bypass.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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