How to Browse Without Being Tracked by ISPs

Want to browse without anyone looking over your shoulder? Learn about ISP tracking and how to stop it in one of the sections below.  

• What is an ISP?
• What kind of data ISPs collect?  
• How long can ISPs keep data?
• Can ISPs sell data?
• Can a VPN protect from ISP?
• How to hide internet activities from ISPs?

What is an internet service provider or ISP?

An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is an organization that provides customers with access to the internet. Some ISPs also offer telephone, television, email, web hosting, and domain registration services. Internet access is provided through a wide range of communication mediums, from telephone lines and television cables to fiber-optics and cellular networks. The global ISP industry was valued at $945.13 billion in 2024.

What kind of data does an ISP collect?

ISPs can collect the following types of data:

• Visited websites and webpages
• Date and time of visit
• Time spent on website and webpages
• Your IP address
• Your geo-location

The exact kind of collected data depends on your ISP, contract terms, and provided services. The country you live in also plays a major role in ISP data collection. Whereas American ISPs can freely collect their customer data, the practice is illegal in many European countries.  

By analyzing collected data, ISPs can determine your:

• Browsing habits
• Online shopping preferences
• Hobbies and interests
• Political party affiliation
• Personal relationship
• And much more

If your ISP wants to make money off you, they can sell this information, too. Given the wealth of data ISPs can collect, it's scary to think of potential risks, like personal information leaks. But there are ways to secure your digital life. Clario Anti Spy’s Data breach monitor scans your email and linked online accounts for any known breaches. Created to fortify your personal data against unauthorized access, it stays on guard 24/7, alerting you of potential data leaks.

Here’s how easy it is to start using Clario’s Data breach monitor:

1. Install Clario Anti Spy on your mobile device ( it works on both iOS and Android).
2. Create an account.
3. Go to Data breach monitor.
4. Tap Scan to look for leaks associated with your email.

How long can ISPs keep your data?  

In many countries, ISPs are legally required to keep your data for an extended period of time. For example, the mandatory data retention period is six months in the European Union and 2 years in Australia.  

Unlike the majority of European countries, the US doesn’t have a mandatory data retention period for ISPs. Even if a country does not mandate customer data retention, some ISPs may still have systems in place to collect and retain as much data as they want. Therefore, it’s always worth taking steps to ensure your digital privacy regardless of where you live.  

How does the data economy work? Can an ISP sell my data?

Yes, ISPs can sell your data. Since 2017, American ISPs can legally collect and sell user data, and if a recent governmental report is any indication, they are doing just that.  

Sure, this industry is expected to change in the near future - especially with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) having come into play and its federal equivalent being prepared for other states. But this doesn’t necessarily mean your data will be free from attempts to monetize it. Rather, ISPs will be simply required to notify you about data collection and selling and offer you the chance to opt out.

The price of data collected by ISPs depends on three factors:

• How many different types of data are grouped together
• How in demand the data is
• How hard it is to access

Does a VPN protect you from your ISP?

Yes. The easiest way to protect yourself from ISP tracking is to install a VPN. By hiding your IP address and encrypting everything you do online, a good VPN can make you virtually invisible to your ISP. It has its downside, though - your internet speed might slow down. But it’s a small price to pay for online privacy.  

How to hide internet activity from ISPs

To hide your internet activity from your ISP, use a VPN. A reliable VPN can hide your IP address and encrypt the entirety of your web traffic. Thus, you can safely browse the internet without being tracked by your ISP.

Here are some of the top tools on the market that can keep your internet activity private from your ISP:

• NordVPN: it works fast and offers a range of additional tools, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Surfshark: a cost-effective VPN that supports unlimited devices and offers ad-blocking and malware-scanning features.
• ExpressVPN: offers access to geo-blocked content, beginner-friendly features, and custom router software.
• CyberGhost: created to protect users' security and streaming, it features an always-on kill switch, WireGuard protocol, and a 45-day money-back guarantee.
• ProtonVPN: a free tool with unlimited bandwidth, robust streaming capabilities, and a rigorous no-logs policy.

Wrapping up

Now you know why and how to guard your data from ISPs. If you are not willing to give away an iota of your data, you might be also interested in other ways to protect it. Take a few minutes to read our other articles on privacy and data protection below. Don’t forget to try Clario Anti Spy’s Data breach monitor. The feature scans your email and online account, identifying data leaks and staying on guard 24/7 by default. In case of a breach, it will notify you immediately so you can address the issue asap.