Исследуем, Тестируем, Защищаем

A proxy server is a gateway between your device and the entire Internet. It provides an additional layer of security by filtering the information you receive from the web and preventing your data from being accessed by the websites you visit. Proxy servers allow you to use different IP addresses, making it impossible to detect you as a user. Thus, any website you visit cannot see your actual IP address but rather the IP address provided by the proxy server. Herewith, the proxy IP addresses constantly change.

There are various reasons to use proxies. First, they provide a certain level of anonymity on the web, better performance speed, security of your personal data, and so on. Secondly, proxies help you bypass restrictions and access any content at any time. Third, some users turn to proxy servers for business purposes. For example, they allow you to do competitive research, validate ad placement, filter spam, and improve brand protection.

Yes, in most countries, it is completely legal to use proxy servers. On the other hand, in some regions, proxy usage may be limited due to local legislation.
In general, it is legal to use proxy services for legitimate purposes. But if your country imposes restrictions on any content, the authorities definitely don't want you to see it. In this case, the proxies are in the gray area. Some web resources also have a policy that prohibits proxies. However, some types of servers cannot be detected, so it's not a big deal to use them worldwide.

Yes, there are some decent free proxy services, including the following options:

• Hide.me
• Kproxy
• HMA
• VPNBook
• ProxySite
• Whoer

Most of these solutions also have paid versions, while the free options have certain traffic allowance and functionality restrictions.

Not really. Using free proxy servers might be risky - along with limitations, they can collect and use your data at their discretion. Besides, free versions often lack essential features and solid data encryption.

It depends on why you need these tools and what you intend to use them for. VPN is better when it comes to the security of your data. It encrypts your traffic before you go online. Most VPNs also have sophisticated features to hide your location and all online activities.
On the other hand, proxies are a better tool for data extraction, competitive research, and brand protection. Although proxy servers are considered less anonymous, the risk of your identity being compromised is minimum if you use modern solutions.
Sometimes, VPNs also offer more servers and settings, but they tend to slow down performance speed.

In some cases, it is possible. In general, it much depends on the provider and the type of proxy you use.
Proxies usually transmit information to your device without encryption. While you can use them to change your IP address, they only provide partial anonymity.