How useful is a VPN for most Singaporeans?

VPN
1

Thinking of getting PIA(private internet access) since I always see it recommended on reddit as a must have for privacy. I know the government spies on Singaporeans, but how useful can a VPN be if I’m not up to seditious or illegal activities? Do most people use it for access to region locked subscription services? Does using a VPN in Singapore limit bandwidth much?

Somewhat relevant old thread

edit: Modifying my initial question. Assuming privacy is my primary concern, is a VPN enough for Singaporeans?

2

Its useful for Pornhub and the hamster site. Lol.

3

There are some useful parts.

Singapore isp add throttling to some sites. It gets quite obvious on data intensive sites like twitch during peak hours. I used to vpn while watching twitch and it would be much smoother.

Of course for downloads and stuff it’s good to vpn even though you get a hit in your download speeds.

Another thing for security minded individuals. It’s good to have a vpn when you use public wifi/even school/work internet. Especially if you don’t want to be tracked while using these wifi which you don’t own.

These reasons are why I use a vpn. Pia is quite affordable and it’s the one I use. I think there may be better options but pia is good enough for what I need it for now.

4

All VPNs will limit bandwidth. Do remember you are adding another link in your connection. If you have a 100mbps connection, the VPN server would technically need 200mbps to relay that information.

Also, any IT person here can tell you, there are ways to get around this besides VPN (SSH tunneling, cough, cough).

Fun fact, the enforcement of monitoring is on the ISP side and not the government side. The problem with net neutrality is also that ISPs are not held responsible for the
traffic they cover, but they are legally obliged to cooperate with authorities to gain immunity from that traffic.

5

Can watch banned movies like To Singapore, with Love.

6

If you really want privacy:

  • Only use Tails booted from a flash drive on a laptop.
  • Only use Tor for browsing.
  • Only use public wifi networks, preferably in crowded places.
  • Use a polarising filter for your laptop screen and always have your back to a wall.
  • Tape over your webcam.
  • Wear sunglasses, a dark-coloured hoodie and long pants everywhere you go.
  • Ditch your smartphone.
  • Never walk out in the open where satellites can see you.

First three points should suffice. You can follow the rest, depending on how much privacy you really want.

7

Useful for watching some region-locked content on YouTube and also for Popcorn Time.

8

I have got free vpns if yall want eh. Using openvpn and ssh tunneling to virtual desktop in usa. Pm if want. Also myvpn included PI hole so virtually no ads bruh

9

Anyone here subscribe to US Netflix and VPN? I need some recommendations

10

i use tunnelbear…

that bear shoot lasers out of his eyes.

11

Use the opera browser. Comes with a free vpn extension.

12

VPN is for Two reasons. One is to let you watch some region locked Football streams. What’s The second reason? Don’t ask me. I don’t know.