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What is a proxy

Pete avatar
Written by Pete
Updated this week

What a Proxy Is

A proxy server acts as a middleman between your device and the internet. Instead of connecting directly to a website, your request first goes through the proxy, which then passes it on. The website only sees the proxy’s IP address, not your real one.


🔹 Common Uses of Proxies with IP Addresses

  1. Privacy / Anonymity

    • Hide your real IP address so websites can’t easily track your location.

  2. Bypassing Restrictions

    • Access content that’s geo-blocked (e.g., a video or site only available in another country).

  3. Network Control

    • Organisations use proxies to filter internet use (e.g., schools or companies blocking certain sites).

  4. Load Balancing & Speed

    • Proxies can cache content and distribute traffic, helping websites handle more users efficiently.

  5. Testing / Monitoring

    • Businesses use proxies to check how their website appears in different regions or to monitor ads.

  6. Fraudulent Uses (⚠️ risky)

    • Some people use proxies to disguise their location for dishonest reasons (like creating fake accounts, bypassing bans, or survey fraud).


🔹 Downsides / Risks

  • Using proxies can slow down your connection.

  • Many sites (like survey providers) detect and block proxy IPs to prevent fraud.

  • If caught, users can lose access or earnings (since proxies make it look like you’re in the wrong country).


👉 In short: A proxy masks your real IP address. It can be useful for privacy or work purposes, but in platforms like TimeBucks/TimeWall, proxies are considered fraudulent because they hide your true location.

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