What are Proxy Sites?

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Proxy websites allow users to hide their IP address or access blocked websites. They can be used by employees, people in information-restricted countries, or anyone with content filters. Proxy websites work like a browser, but the direction to the website occurs within the proxy website space. They can be used for legitimate purposes, such as accessing harmless words that are considered objectionable by filters. Proxy websites also provide privacy and can be used to access uncensored news in restricted countries.

Proxy websites are special websites that allow users to hide their Internet Protocol (IP) address or access other websites that have been blocked by content filters. Using these types of websites may make it possible to access prohibited websites, regardless of the content filtering imposed on a user. Previously banned websites can be viewed under a proxy website. Proxy websites can be used by employees, people living in information-restricted countries, and anyone else using computers equipped with content filters.

A proxy website can work just like a normal Internet browser would: a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is entered and the user is directed to the website. The difference between a proxy website and a regular browser is that the direction to the website occurs within the proxy website space, rather than in the browser. When a banned website is retrieved using a proxy, the banned website appears to be part of the proxy website itself.

Those using proxy websites may be attempting to access information that has been intentionally restricted, but there can also be legitimate uses for bypassing filtering rules. Some filters may consider harmless words objectionable. When this happens, a search using these words can be annoying and frustrating for anyone looking to get general information. One way to access this information without having to deal with filtering rules is to use a proxy website.

Some employees use proxy websites to access websites they would not normally be allowed to view. In an effort to dissuade employees from visiting entertainment or social networking websites while on the job, employers can put a list of associated words into content filters. Sometimes, however, these words can be relevant to your job search. When this happens, employees may use proxy websites to perform their job duties. This action can increase productivity and save manpower resources, because employees don’t have to spend time figuring out how to unblock filtered words or asking technical support for advice on what to do.

People who use these types of websites can also enjoy their privacy knowing that their IP addresses are not logged. Also, the actual visit to a blocked website may be hidden from obvious view, as the proxy website is likely to record visits to banned websites as visits to the proxy only. This can lead administrators responsible for content filters to believe that their filters have been successful.

Proxy websites are also used by citizens of countries that have limits on the type of information they can read. Those residing in these types of countries use proxy websites to access uncensored news and related websites that can keep them informed of what is happening in the world. In many ways, proxy websites serve as an avenue for the free exchange of information.




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