Norwegian internet browser Opera now includes a free, unlimited VPN natively, meaning that its users “don’t have to download VPN extensions or pay for VPN subscriptions to access blocked websites and to shield your browsing when on public Wi-Fi,” according to the official announcement.
Opera’s blog post reads:
According to Global Web Index*, more than half a billion people (24% of the world’s internet population) have tried or are currently using VPN services. According to the research, the primary reasons for people to use a VPN are:
- To access better entertainment content (38%)
- To keep anonymity while browsing (30%)
- To access restricted networks and sites in my country (28%)
- To access restricted sites at work (27%)
- To communicate with friends/family abroad (24%)
- To access restricted news websites in my country (22%)
According to the research, young people are leading the way when it comes to VPN usage, with almost one third of people between 16-34 having used a VPN.
The in-browser VPN is only available as part of the most recent developer version, but set to arrive in the release version following successful testing and refinement.
Opera’s in-browser VPN follows its native ad-blocker, released as part of its last developer version last month, in an effort to centralise its user’s needs in one package.
Opera 38 developer version can be downloaded here.
