Opera's built-in free VPN has received a new feature for desktop users, offering automatic protection when using public Wi-Fi networks. Once activated, the browser detects when it connects to a public Wi-Fi and automatically initiates a secure connection through the Opera VPN. This feature is limited to traffic generated within the browser itself, meaning it encrypts only the data exchanged between the user and websites visited through Opera. When the device reconnects to a private network, the browser can disconnect from the VPN, returning to normal browsing conditions. The new feature maintains the core characteristics of Opera's free VPN, which has been available since 2016. It does not require a subscription, an account, or impose data limits. Opera also claims it does not keep logs related to the use of the VPN, a policy that was independently audited by Deloitte in 2024. However, it is important to note that this protection is not comprehensive. Unlike a system-level (or OS-level) VPN, Opera's feature only applies to traffic that passes through the browser, leaving data from other applications—such as email clients or messaging apps—exposed to the public Wi-Fi network. A VPN tunnel is an encrypted connection between a user's device and a remote server, designed to obscure the content of data exchanged from prying eyes on the same network. On a public Wi-Fi network, this encryption prevents others from eavesdropping or manipulating the data. However, the user is not automatically anonymous: websites can still track users through their accounts, cookies, or browser fingerprints. Additionally, if the device is already infected with malware, the VPN does not protect against that threat. A "browser-integrated" VPN, such as Opera's, encrypts only the traffic generated by the browser, such as web pages, downloads, and requests initiated from within the browser. In contrast, a system-level (OS-level) VPN encrypts all of the device's network traffic, including activity from other browsers, apps, and background processes. This distinction is due to differences in how the two types of VPNs are implemented: the browser-based version functions as an application-level proxy, while the system-level version operates at the device's network layer. As a result, activating a browser's built-in VPN does not protect data sent by other applications. For full protection on public Wi-Fi, a system-level VPN offers broader coverage. The term "no logs" refers to a policy where the provider claims not to record user data such as browsing history, IP addresses, or timestamps. However, the exact scope of what is excluded can vary. An independent audit can assess whether the provider's practices align with its stated policy, but it does not guarantee that data will never be collected in the future or that third-party services might retain information. To fully evaluate a provider's "no-logs" claim, users should also consider the transparency of what data is excluded, how long it might be retained, and the legal framework that applies.