VPN Static IP vs Shared IP

[SmirGel]

Hey

 

so I've been really looking at this Swedish VPN provider that allows everything except SPAM and illegal pornography through their VPN. Tho they only offer you static IP and DNS to use. My friend said if I'd use their service to download a torrent and be logged into facebook they could find out my identity through facebook. With shared IP it's not possible since many users are using same IP address at the same time. 

 

So my question goes: is static IP bad to use even tho it's VPN?

[LAwLz]

You friend is half correct. The VPN provider can see all your traffic, no matter if you use shared or static IP. They will always be able to see all your traffic. Think of a VPN as plugging your Ethernet able into someone else's computer, and then they plug their computer into the Internet. Shared or dynamic does not matter at all when it comes to hiding from the VPN provider since they will still know who you are and which traffic belongs to you, even with a shared IP. Your IP only gets shared after it reaches them. So they will still see let's say 10 individual customers, but when they then send the traffic out all those 10 people will appear as one (which might trigger anti-DDoS mechanics on a lot of sites, which is bad for you).

 

A VPN is not for anonymity. It does absolutely nothing to hide your identity, no matter which one you use.

[SmirGel]

You friend is half correct. The VPN provider can see all your traffic, no matter if you use shared or static IP. They will always be able to see all your traffic. Think of a VPN as plugging your Ethernet able into someone else's computer, and then they plug their computer into the Internet. Shared or dynamic does not matter at all when it comes to hiding from the VPN provider since they will still know who you are and which traffic belongs to you, even with a shared IP. Your IP only gets shared after it reaches them. So they will still see let's say 10 individual customers, but when they then send the traffic out all those 10 people will appear as one (which might trigger anti-DDoS mechanics on a lot of sites, which is bad for you).

 

A VPN is not for anonymity. It does absolutely nothing to hide your identity, no matter which one you use.

 

Except this VPN provider doesn't even require your real name or address or any real piece of information. Only need working email and that's it. 

 

What he meant if I download a torrent by using VPN static IP and while being logged in to facebook the DMCA dudes can look through all IPs and check ones at facebook..and find out who I am?

[LAwLz]

Except this VPN provider doesn't even require your real name or address or any real piece of information. Only need working email and that's it. 

Well, they will still have your real IP. Of course that isn't really super sensitive info but still... What VPN provider only requires a working email? The only "good" ones I have found at lease requires you to also add a payment method, which means your credit card will in some way be tied to your VPN.

 

 

What he meant if I download a torrent by using VPN static IP and while being logged in to facebook the DMCA dudes can look through all IPs and check ones at facebook..and find out who I am?

No, the copyright holders can't do that, no matter if you are on a static or shared IP. They will just contact the VPN provider and demand your info from there though, then it's up to the VPN provider to do what they want.

[tom564]

Well, they will still have your real IP. Of course that isn't really super sensitive info but still... What VPN provider only requires a working email? The only "good" ones I have found at lease requires you to also add a payment method, which means your credit card will in some way be tied to your VPN.

 

 

No, the copyright holders can't do that, no matter if you are on a static or shared IP. They will just contact the VPN provider and demand your info from there though, then it's up to the VPN provider to do what they want.

A lot of the VPN providers now accept Bitcoin and some other forms of payment that can be anonymous / paid in cash. I have seen some that will let you use gift cards from other vendors at an inflated rate. 

 

@OP It would be possible for facebook to tie your VPN IP to your facebook account and your normal IP (if you sign in without VPN)  but this isn't a problem for DMCA type stuff.