Using Kodi Safely – Why you need to use a VPN with Kodi
If you are reading this, then chances are you are already familiar with the media application Kodi. Why wouldn’t you, it is a fantastic application, effectively free and with a low system resource requirement, it has fast become the biggest Media collection application to rival the likes of Plex and online streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Instant. If you have been enjoying Kodi and it’s means to stream media from its many, many free add-on services and channel, I have bad news for you – it is becoming increasingly difficult and more over is becoming increasingly easier to break the law, often without you even knowing you are doing it!
Throughout much of 2016 and 2017 your internet activity and behaviour has been monitored and recorded. All the websites you visited, all the exchanges you made whilst on them and most relevent to todays article, your Kodi Streaming History. This has been actioned in many first world countries such as the US, UK, most of Europe and Australia. That means that if you went somewhere you shouldn’t or accessed content you do not own, you were in all likelihood breaking the law.
WHAT! Why is my ISP monitoring my Kodi data and how is this legal?
What does Limewire and Napster have to do with Kodi and why is the government looking at my stuff on Kodi!
It was around this time that the compunction of ISP and law enforcement to ignore/respect the privacy of online users was slowly dismantled. It became increasingly clear that the only way to prevent this kind of crime was to flag people’s internet use when it crossed certain boundaries. Now most media is largely accessed by streaming them from online sources, the pursuit and capture of online copyright law-breakers to the likes of Kodi and it’s media streaming add-ons – because like watching any YouTube clip or Google search, your ISP have a record of this visit and your behaviour.
This information is now made available to the police and law enforcement. I cannot say I agree with the sad invasive manner that this has come too, however you can hardly say it is unjustified. If someone continuous breaks into your house and steals your stuff, you can hardly be blamed if you put up and few cameras and bug a bigger guard dog.
Ok, I get it, people steal stuff. But I don’t steal stuff and they are still watching me. Why do I need a VPN for Kodi?
You would be flabbergasted just how easy it is to break copyright law. A user can upload illegal and unreleased publically content to anything from YouTube, to a forum and by the simple act of a click of a link, you just unwittingly broke the law. Worse still, with horrendous advances in malware, virus’ and ransomware, you can sometimes break the law and not even realise it. Finally, less threatening but still inconvenient is accessing content (through legal means) that is deemed blocked/unreleased in your region of the world. Internet service providers work with many online media providors to keep in place certain blocks (fair and foul related) generally for two reason. One good and one bad:
1, To ensure that you are unable to access illegal content (either accidentally or on purpose) to uphold copyright law and protect you and your family from a visit from the police.
2, Sadly it is also true that these blocks and control are often used to push content from sites that your ISP or connected parties have a vested interest in promoting. That kind of behaviour can easily lead to paywalls on websites and alternatives being blocked or diverted against (see Net Neutrality)
It is because of reasons like this that have a VPN on your Kodi media setup is becoming increasingly important. Main reasons for using Kodi with a VPN enabled are:
- Protecting your privacy and identity online (stay safe through encryption) from those who seek to exploit it and/or use it against you
- Enabled access to geo-restricted (blocked) content through add ons (also known as geo-spoofing – making you appear as if you are originating from another location to the central server or website)
Ultimately you should NOT think of using a VPN with Kodi as a means to evade the law – DO NOT BREAK THE LAW – use it as a means to protect your identity and access content you have unfairly been restricted from.
Right, I understand copyright law and won’t break the law. But, is Kodi legal?
What is the law and legal stance on Copyrighted content being streamed via Kodi in different countries?
Depending on the country you live in, the rules regarding your online behaviour and history being tracked do differ a little. However a number of key elements remain the same:
United States and Streaming illegal content via Kodi
United Kingdom and streaming illegal Content via Kodi
The Rest of Europe and streaming illegal content via Kodi
Where can I get a VPN so I can use Kodi without my privacy being invaded
Setting up and activating your Virtual Private Network so you can start using Kodi without being monitored/blocked is actually surprisingly easy. Below are a few helpful links so you can have your Kodi media setup safe and ready to go explore without prying eyes, within a few minutes. I would recommend using VyprVPN as it is has passed all privacy/security tests and are also located in safe privacy areas and regions (as well as being covered and efficient in the United States and United Kingdom, two heavily tracked areas).
The best way to know a VPN for Kodi is if your hardware vendor of choice either endorses it or have compliant apps for it. It is not in the interest of a VPN provider to spy on your use and using a paid-for service ensures you are not using a service that is forced to obtain its profits/return from selling your data or controlling you. LIke any good dating website, the free ones always produce the most dubious results, whereas the paid-for ones not only have better results, but a far more reliable system of security and reputation to uphold. Use the links below to have your Kodi and VPN setup ready in minutes.
To Sign up for your VyprVPN today (with a free trial included, so no pressure) click above
To find out how to set up your VPN with your QNAP NAS for Kodi and more, click above
To learn more about what a Virtual Private Network is and how to use it with your Synology NAS and QNAP NAS, click above.
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