Proxy servers are not illegal. That question comes up a lot, and the answer is surprisingly simple. Using a proxy server, by itself, is completely legal. What matters is how you use it—and where. That is where things start to get interesting.
Different countries have different views on digital privacy and data use. In one place, using a proxy to access restricted content might be totally fine. Somewhere else? It might put you at odds with local laws. So yes, the legality depends on context. Kind of like driving—perfectly legal, unless you are speeding through a school zone.
Now, if you are thinking about setting one up yourself, especially on Linux, here is the lowdown.
To install a proxy server on a Linux machine, start by diving into your system settings. Navigate over to Network & Internet, then tap into Proxy. Under Manual Proxy Setup, flip on Use a Proxy Server. Do not forget to activate Automatically detect settings too—just to keep things flowing smoothly. It sounds more complicated than it is. Really, it is just a couple of switches.
But maybe you are not looking to install something new. Maybe you want to use another computer as your proxy. Yes, that is a thing. On your Windows device, open the Settings app. Head over to Network & Internet, then tap Proxy. Under Manual Proxy Setup, click Set up next to Use a proxy server. A box will pop up. Turn on the option, type in the IP address and port of the other machine, and you are in business.
Now let us say you are curious—can you build your own proxy from scratch?
You can. It is possible. But, be warned—it is not easy. Creating mobile proxies manually means diving deep into technical configuration, network permissions, hardware tweaking… it is a rabbit hole. If you are not a hardcore tech enthusiast, you are better off buying a turnkey setup. Some providers even offer plug-and-play solutions with software and hardware bundled together. That gives you access to a sea of rotating IPs, without the headaches.
So here is a question that tends to make people nervous: Can police track proxy servers?
Yes. If law enforcement is involved, they can work with Internet Service Providers. Every IP address you use? It leaves a footprint. ISPs keep logs. If needed, they can match an IP to a person. A proxy does not erase your tracks—it just makes them harder to follow.
And that brings us to the darker side of proxies—risk.
One big issue is data logging. Some proxies, especially free ones, keep logs of your activity—IP addresses, browsing history, timestamps. Worse, they might sell that data to third parties. And if there is no encryption? That information is basically up for grabs. A data breach waiting to happen.
So how does a proxy compare to a VPN?
Both mask your IP address. That is where the similarities end. Proxies do not encrypt your traffic. That means someone could still intercept your data in transit. VPNs, on the other hand, wrap your internet activity in a layer of encryption. They cover everything, while proxies usually just protect specific apps or browsers. Think of proxies as a mask. VPNs are more like armor.
Proxies are popular for accessing content that is blocked in certain regions, or getting around workplace restrictions. But if you are worried about security? A proxy alone will not cut it.
Also, be cautious with free proxies. Sure, they are tempting. But ask yourself—what is the business model? If you are not paying for the service, your data probably is.
Now, back to Ubuntu. If that is your playground, setting up a proxy is straightforward.
Open up Settings, then select Network, and go to Proxy. Turn the proxy setting On, then choose Manual configuration. You will see fields for HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and SOCKS. Fill in the proxy URL and port, and you are good to go.
And if you have been around the networking block, you might have heard of Squid.
No, not the seafood. Squid is a caching and forwarding proxy server for web traffic. It boosts performance by storing copies of frequently requested resources. That makes browsing faster for everyone on the network. Squid also caches DNS lookups and filters traffic, which helps tighten up your security. It is efficient, flexible, and battle-tested.
Last, let us talk about proxy firewalls. Can they work as firewalls?
Absolutely. A proxy firewall acts as a gatekeeper. It blocks direct access between your network and external sites. That adds a layer of protection. Plus, proxy firewalls allow fine-grained control—you can tweak settings to match your company’s policies, user groups, or even time-of-day restrictions.
So what does all this mean?
Proxy servers are tools. Like any tool, they can be used well—or misused. Whether you are looking to boost performance, gain a little more privacy, or explore secure configurations, understanding the ins and outs of proxies is essential.
Just remember: privacy is not a product, it is a practice. Use the tools wisely.