Will my isp tell my parents about the sites I visit?
Ok so I'm LGBT, but I'm not out to my parents. They wouldn't be very accepting- and I don't want to be in an environment where they know because trust me it would be a bad situation. However, I want to start connecting to online LGBT resources. I'm currently living at home and I don't want them to find out if I go to LGBT sites and things like that. If I use incognito mode on google chrome I know it stops it from displaying the sites on my internet history, but the ISP still can see it. Is there a way my parents could get the list of what sites I visit from my ISP? My dad knows a lot about tech and security as well- so is there anything I can do to stop him seeing it knowing that he knows a lot about internet security and might know if I'm trying to hide something?
The answer to your question - Will my isp tell my parents about the sites I visit is -
All the sites you visit regardless of what you use software wise (incognito mode etc) need to do a DNS resolution, i.e query the domain name for an IP address. If you are in the UK your ISP will have a record of all this, I cannot comment on other jurisdictions but would be surprised if the vast majority did not have the same level of data. If the sites you are visiting are HTTPS, then that is all the ISP will have just the domain name of the site, if however the site is only HTTP, your ISP will also have full visibility of the sites content. If your dad is tech savvy he can also see all of this if he wants. At the very least he can view router logs and see the site domain names.
Your best defence here is to use a hardware based VPN, again you could use a software VPN but there is a chance it may be interrupted and you device would just revert back to the regular network while it re-establishes a connection (There are way to stop this but it requires some know how).
Another option is TOR, however this may be more trouble that it is worth if you are not familiar with it. It would allow you to mask all your internet traffic from both your family and your ISP but there is a learning curve with it.
Some valid arguments against your dad for using such devices include:
- Getting around content restrictions
- Using a lot of public WiFi, you want to be sure you are safe
- Your uni/school/place of work have request it
- you don't want your ISP knowing what you are doing.
Answer (1)
Whether your ISP (Internet Service Provider) will inform your parents about the websites you visit depends on several factors, including your ISP's policies, the type of account, and the level of parental control set up. Here are some key points to consider:
1. ISP Policies and Privacy
Data Collection: ISPs can log and store information about your internet activity, including websites visited, due to the nature of how they provide service.
Disclosure: Generally, ISPs do not proactively disclose browsing history to parents or account holders unless they have a specific reason to do so, such as compliance with legal requests or if they offer parental control services.
2. Account Type and Ownership
Primary Account Holder: If your parents are the primary account holders, they might have access to certain details about the internet usage under their account.
Parental Controls: Many ISPs offer parental control features that allow parents to monitor and restrict the websites visited by users on their network.
3. Parental Controls and Monitoring Tools
ISP-Provided Controls: Some ISPs provide tools that allow parents to set up filters, view browsing history, and receive alerts about online activity.
Third-Party Software: Parents might also use third-party parental control software or devices (like Circle, Net Nanny, etc.) to monitor and restrict internet usage.
4. Router and Network Monitoring
Router Logs: Home routers can log internet traffic. Tech-savvy parents might access these logs to see what sites are being visited.
Network Monitoring Tools: There are various network monitoring tools that can be set up to track internet activity on a home network.
5. Legal and Privacy Considerations
Privacy Laws: Depending on the country or region, privacy laws might restrict the extent to which ISPs can monitor and disclose browsing history.
Household Rules: In a household setting, parents usually have the right to monitor internet usage on their network.
Steps to Understand and Manage Your Privacy
Review ISP Terms of Service:
Look at your ISP’s privacy policy to understand what data they collect and how it might be shared or disclosed.
Check Parental Controls:
If you suspect your internet usage is being monitored, review the parental control settings on your ISP’s account management page.
Secure Browsing:
Use secure browsing methods like VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to encrypt your internet traffic. This can help prevent monitoring of your browsing activity.
Clear Browsing Data:
Regularly clear your browser history and cookies to remove traces of your online activity from your device.
Communicate:
If you are concerned about privacy, consider having an open conversation with your parents about your internet usage and their monitoring practices.
Conclusion
While ISPs have the capability to log browsing history, they typically do not share this information with parents unless parental controls are enabled or specific monitoring tools are in place. If privacy is a concern, understanding your ISP’s policies and using secure browsing practices can help manage and protect your online activities.