VPN

Computers.

1. virtual private network: a system or technology that uses a public network, usually the internet, to transmit encrypted data between a private network and a remote authorized user.

VPN

abbreviation

1. virtual private network: a network that uses the internet to transfer information using secure methods

Word History and Origins

Origin of VPN¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

"Bad actors will very likely quickly adapt… they can round it by VPN, they'll adapt the way they're creating their account so it appears they created their account in the west or in the United States".

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Some users may also be connected via a VPN that can mask their real location.

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But his elder brother eventually found that he'd installed a VPN to use Character.ai and they discovered reams and reams of messages.

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Meanwhile, research by Cybernews counted more than 10.7 million downloads of VPN apps in the UK from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store across 2025.

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"After age checks kicked in, VPN apps jumped to the top of the UK App Store, and at least one provider saw a 1,800% surge in downloads," he said.

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