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If you’ve never heard about iCloud Private Relay, it is basically a privacy feature that Apple released in 2021 as part of the iCloud+ subscription. It lets you protect your data when browsing the web in Safari. Here’s how it works, and whether you should be using it.
First things first. Is Private Relay a VPN?
Short answer, no.
Slightly longer answer, there are a few key differences between iCloud Private Relay and a VPN. The main difference is that while a VPN generally encrypts and reroutes your entire internet traffic across apps and websites, iCloud Private Relay adds certain privacy layers when using Safari.
Which privacy layers?
Glad you asked.
When you browse the web, both your internet provider and the websites you visit can see your IP address. Over time, this information can be collected to build a profile for, among other things, targeted advertising.
Likewise, when you access a website, your device makes a DNS request that typically goes through your internet provider. This gives them insight into the websites you’re trying to reach and, combined with your IP address, a clearer picture of who you are over time. That’s a lot of data you may be handing over just by browsing.
What iCloud Private Relay does is split your browsing activity on Safari into “two separate, secure internet relays.” Here’s Apple on how it handles your Safari activity once iCloud Private Relay is turned on:
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