Opera Becomes the First Desktop Browser To Offer Free Inbuilt VPN

For the first time ever, a major browser has introduced a free built-in virtual private network (VPN) feature for web users. The Norway-based company Opera Software released version 40 of its desktop browser Opera earlier this week which will allow its users to browse safely and securely using its VPN servers, with no restrictions on traffic usage.

A VPN enables people to route their web-surfing through an encrypted connection, which hides all browsing activities and improves the security, much more that what is provided by the privacy modes offered by browsers today. The software guards the user’s IP address and routes the traffic through its servers, allowing users to bypass access restrictions on websites.

Powered by SufEasy, Opera users can use VPN servers based in five countries - Canada, U.S. Germany, Singapore, and the Netherlands. – to route their traffic. The company has said that it will consider adding more in time.

"If people knew how the internet truly works, I believe they all would use a VPN," said Krystian Kolondra, SVP of Opera browser for desktops. "By making our browser VPN free and easy to use, we hope to make it an essential tool, just as the lock and key are to your house."

The company had introduced the feature first in April this year to its developer version, promising to release a stable version for consumers after gathering feedback on its performance. Opera had acquired the U.S –based VPN company SurfEasy last March, enabling it to develop the VPN feature for its products. The company has already launched the VPN service for Android and iOS operating systems, which blocks ad trackers and lets users change their virtual location.

The latest version of Opera’s browser includes several other attractive features including an automatic battery saving feature, video pop-outs, Chromecast support, and built-in ad-blocking.