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Is iCloud Private Relay Better Than a VPN?

#Proxy
2025-03-07 12:007 min read

Content Introduction

In this episode of 'Securing the Built Environment,' Rob Freeman explains the key differences between Apple's iCloud Private Relay and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). He discusses how iCloud Private Relay, available to iCloud Plus subscribers, enhances online privacy when using Safari by obscuring users' browsing activity and assigning them a random IP address. Rob clarifies that while both services aim to enhance privacy, VPNs offer a more generalized security solution that works with various browsers and encrypts all web traffic. He notes that iCloud Private Relay is limited to Safari and highlights the importance of understanding privacy tools in the context of online cookies and tracking. Finally, Rob encourages viewers to explore an article linked in the video for further setup information and expresses hope that the information provided will be helpful.

Key Information

  • Rob Freeman introduces episode 138 of 'Securing the Built Environment', comparing iCloud Private Relay and VPNs.
  • He notes that many of the 850 million iCloud users likely don't understand iCloud Private Relay.
  • The video will explain how iCloud Private Relay offers privacy while using Safari.
  • iCloud Private Relay is not a free VPN; it requires an iCloud Plus subscription.
  • Apple uses two proxy servers to obscure browsing activity, with one hiding what the user is searching for and the other obscuring the user's identity.
  • A VPN works more generally with various browsers, while iCloud Private Relay only works with Safari.
  • Using cookies will still allow websites to recognize users, regardless of whether iCloud Private Relay or a VPN is being used.
  • The discussion aims to clear confusion about the differences between iCloud Private Relay and VPNs.
  • Rob provides a link to an article on how to set up iCloud Private Relay for viewers.

Timeline Analysis

Content Keywords

iCloud Private Relay

iCloud Private Relay is Apple's privacy feature designed to enhance internet browsing security. It uses a two-step process with proxy servers to obscure users' browsing activity and identity. This feature is built into iCloud Plus and is aimed at protecting user privacy when using Safari.

VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a general security tool that encrypts internet traffic and provides privacy by masking users' IP addresses. Unlike iCloud Private Relay, VPNs are compatible with multiple browsers including Chrome, Firefox, and Brave.

Privacy Differences

The video clarifies the differences between iCloud Private Relay and VPNs, highlighting that while both enhance privacy, they work differently and have different restrictions. iCloud Private Relay is specific to Safari, whereas VPNs function across various browser platforms.

Cookies

Using cookies can still allow companies to recognize users regardless of whether they use iCloud Private Relay or a VPN. The guide emphasizes that these privacy tools do not eliminate the functionality of cookies.

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