Can Proxy Servers Truly Protect Your Identity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effectiveness of proxy servers in protecting user identity, particularly in the context of anonymity and potential legal implications. Participants explore the nuances of how proxy servers function and the vulnerabilities associated with them.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that connecting to a proxy server protects one's identity from being traced back to the user.
  • Others argue that there is no guarantee of anonymity and that various methods exist that could lead to identity leakage, depending on the type of proxy used.
  • One participant highlights that anonymity should not be viewed as a vulnerability but rather as a feature that many seek to protect, referencing systems like The Onion Router that enhance anonymity through encrypted communication.
  • Another point raised is that compromised machines can be used as proxies, which introduces additional risks and complexities to the discussion of anonymity and security.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effectiveness and implications of using proxy servers for anonymity. There is no consensus on whether proxy servers provide reliable protection or if they introduce vulnerabilities.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of proxy servers and the varying degrees of anonymity they provide, as well as the legal implications of using such services. The effectiveness of different types of proxies remains unresolved.

justwild
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Well a common question arises out of my mind that Local IP addresses assigned by ISP are stored...that's ok...But happens when I connect myself to a Proxy server...My identity is protected..isn't it...So even if I do something wrong I won't be prosecuted as because the convict is the proxy server and prosecuting them would be another problem as they belong to different nation...What do you people say?
 
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I say that if you are planning on doing something illegal, this forum is not the place to get advice about it.
 
justwild said:
Well a common question arises out of my mind that Local IP addresses assigned by ISP are stored...that's ok...But happens when I connect myself to a Proxy server...My identity is protected..isn't it...

There's no such guarantee and depends on the proxy. There are many ways in which your identity can leak and allow the proxied requests to be traced back to you.
 
phinds said:
I say that if you are planning on doing something illegal, this forum is not the place to get advice about it.

I am not...I am just thinking how vulnerable the system is...
 
justwild said:
I am not...I am just thinking how vulnerable the system is...

Anonymity is not a vulnerability of the system, it's a feature that many are actually fighting to protect.

It's also nothing new, for instance The Onion Router forwards requests through member nodes using encrypted communication to not only hide the source address but to reduce or eliminate traceability.

Additionally, hackers often use compromised machines as proxies for further attacks, for the same reason.
 

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