In a recent LinkedIn post, Chirag Goswami delves into the crucial distinctions between HTTP, HTTPS, and VPNs, clarifying what Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can actually see about user activity. Goswami emphasizes that the assumption of privacy by default online is often a misconception, dependent heavily on the method of connection.
Goswami begins by highlighting the baseline level of visibility with standard HTTP connections:
“HTTP No encryption. Your ISP can see the full URL and everything you’re doing on that page.”
This lack of encryption means that all data, including the specific web pages visited and the content interacted with, is exposed to the ISP. Goswami frames this as the least private option available.
The Encryption Layer: HTTPS Explained
Moving to a more secure standard, Chirag Goswami explains the role of HTTPS in enhancing online privacy. He notes that while HTTPS offers a significant improvement over HTTP, it does not render a user entirely invisible.
According to Goswami:
“HTTPS Encrypted connection. Your ISP can see the domain you visit, but not the specific pages or the content.”
This distinction is vital, as Goswami points out. The encryption secures the communication between the user and the website, preventing eavesdropping on the actual data exchanged. However, the ISP can still discern which websites (domains) are being accessed.
Introducing VPNs: A Deeper Level of Anonymity
The discussion then progresses to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which Goswami positions as offering a more comprehensive solution for privacy-conscious individuals and businesses. He details how a VPN fundamentally alters the visibility of online activity to an ISP.
Goswami elaborates on the function of a VPN:
“Your traffic is encrypted and routed through the VPN provider. Your ISP can only see that you’re connected to a VPN — not the sites you visit.”
This means that the ISP’s view is limited to the fact that a VPN connection exists, obscuring the destination of the user’s internet traffic. Goswami stresses that this offers a different type of privacy protection compared to HTTPS.
Clarifying the Limits of Privacy Tools
A core message from Chirag Goswami’s post is the nuanced nature of online privacy. He clarifies that neither HTTPS nor VPNs are silver bullets for complete online anonymity.
As Goswami concludes:
“Neither makes you “invisible” online — they just change who can see what.”
He asserts that understanding these differences is the foundational step for anyone concerned about their digital footprint. For businesses, this knowledge is particularly important for safeguarding sensitive data and communications. Goswami’s analysis underscores the need for informed decisions regarding internet usage and security practices.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Chirag Goswami on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on February 22, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →