Opera is the first major browser to include unlimited and free VPN

Opera just added a virtual private network toggle in the developer version of its browser. It is the first major browser to implement this feature. The move follows a study of usage habits, through which Opera has come up with a much needed and useful feature.

The VPN can be used by students or professionals who have restrictions on internet access, to get around these restrictions. A VPN can also be used to access sites or services available in only some locations, to get around these georestrictions. These can include games, streaming sites such as Pandora or Spotify, or even YouTube videos.

The VPN also enhances security when connecting to public or unsecured wireless networks, making it more difficult for anyone to intercept the data. A VPN offers some amount of anonymity and privacy, preventing some sites and services from finding out your location. This prevents targeted advertisements to a degree, as well as giving away personally identifiable location information.

The VPN allows all users an unlimited number of data usage, although this is tracked in the VPN button next to the address bar. As of now, the only available locations for the VPN are US, Canada and Germany. However, more locations are in the pipeline. Opera also announced more native features in the offing, apart from the advertisement blocker and the VPN.