Think of it as a security flaw that others can exploit (if they know how and want to), even if you encrypt your connection with a VPN. This is why any website can use a simple request to get your real IP address. When you have WebRTC enabled on your browser, your IP address is constantly exposed. This circumvents your browser’s normal XHR (XMLHttpRequest) server request process, so your VPN–and other privacy tools–can’t encrypt or block it.Īny website can then implement a simple WebRTC STUN request using Javascript to obtain your real IP address. WebRTC uses the ICE (Interactive Connectivity Establishment) protocol to request your IP address from STUN/TURN servers. I’ve divided it into technical terms if you’re interested and layman’s terms if you just want to know what’s up and move on. Here’s a quick breakdown of what happens. The WebRTC protocol functions independently from your regular network connection. Your local IP is the internal address your devices share inside your home or workplace’s private network. Key: Your public IP is the regular address your ISP gives you so that websites and services around the internet can identify your network connection. That involves exchanging information like both your local and public IP address. The problem is, the WebRTC protocol opens communication channels with the websites you visit to manage this. Tools like Zoom, Google Meet, Facebook Messenger, and Discord all use WebRTC to function.
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That way, you don’t have to download any extensions or software to send video, audio, or P2P sharing over the web. It’s also convenient because it easily integrates into existing browser systems. Thanks to this software, you can easily use voice and video chat as well as P2P connections (like torrenting and online gaming) on your browser.Īlmost every browser (except Internet Explorer) supports WebRTC because it makes sending live video and audio feeds easy. WebRTC, short for “ Web Real-Time Communication”, is an open-source tool that browser developers use to allow real-time peer-to-peer (P2P) communication over the web. Protect Your Digital Privacy What is WebRTC and What Does It Have to Do with You?
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Read on to find out what a WebRTC leak is, how you can detect it, and how to prevent it before your IP address leaks into the wrong hands!
It’s associated with VPNs because it impacts people who want to hide their real IP address more than everyone else. A WebRTC leak is a browser issue and circumvents your VPN entirely.
That doesn’t mean your VPN is unreliable or isn’t working properly. If your browser has a WebRTC leak, your IP address is still exposed even if your VPN is diligently doing its job!
Streaming services and cybercriminals can still discover your IP address when you use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) with browsers like Chrome and Firefox.
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