What are Proxy Websites?

Proxy websites are special websites that allow users to conceal their Internet Protocol (IP) address or to access other websites that have been blocked by content filters. Using these types of websites can make access to banned websites possible, no matter what content filter has been imposed on a user. Websites that were previously prohibited can be viewed within the framework of a proxy website. Proxy websites can be used by employees, people who live in countries where information is restricted and by anyone else who uses computers that have content filters.

A proxy website can work just as the average 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 takes place within the space of the proxy website, rather than the browser. When a banned website is retrieved using a proxy, the banned website appears to be part of the proxy website itself.

Those who use proxy websites might try to access information that has been purposely restricted, but there can also be legitimate uses for bypassing filtering rules. Some filters can consider innocuous words to be objectionable. When this happens, a search using these words can be annoying and frustrating for anyone wanting to obtain general information. A way to access this information without having to contend with filtering rules is to use a proxy website.

Some employees use proxy websites to access websites that they would normally be prohibited from viewing. In an effort to deter employees from visiting entertainment or social networking websites while working, employers can enter a list of associated words into their content filters. Sometimes, however, these words can be pertinent to job research. When this happens, employees can use proxy websites to fulfill their job duties. This action can increase productivity and save work resources, because employees do not have to waste time figuring out how to unblock the filtered words or ask technical support for advice on what to do.

People who use these types of websites also can enjoy their privacy by knowing that their IP addresses are not logged. Moreover, the actual visit to a blocked website can be hidden from obvious view, because the proxy website is likely to register visits to banned websites as visits just to the proxy. This can make the administrators in charge of content filters believe that their filters have been successful.

Proxy websites are also used by citizens of countries that have limit what kind of information they can read. Those who reside in these types of countries use proxy websites to gain access to uncensored news and related websites that can keep them informed on what is going on in the world. In many ways, proxy websites act as their avenue to the free exchange of information.