What Does Your IP Address Tell Others About You?

Doore Leone
Jul 10, 2017 · 2 min read

When you connect to the internet through your ISP, you have assigned an IP address to your computer or pc. Your IP address is similar to your mailing address, but for your computer, on the internet. Your IP address is used to route internet traffic to your computer whether it does not reveal your location.

If someone was able to get your IP address, they could learn a bit about your ISP, such as which provider you use to connect to the internet, but they really can’t locate you, your home, or your office. In some cases, they may locate the city you are in, or perhaps a nearby city, but they will not have your exact physical address.

Once they trace you back to your ISP they will lose your trail. While strangers may not be able to find you, your Internet Service Provider knows where you are! Internet providers will generally go to great lengths to protect you and your privacy but they do keep logs of your connections. There is one big exception to being found. If you were to participate in illegal activities then a law enforcement agency can get a court order and submit it to your Internet Service Provider to request your information. This is one way you can be found easily.

If someone get your IP address they can’t find you. There are other ways you can be located but this isn’t one of them. You’re more likely to be tracked by posting your name and town online via social media than by your IP address. You can learn about how to hide your IP Address from here.

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