Skip to content

What is ISP Logging?

ISP logging is when an internet service provider (ISP) stores records (logs) of your online activity, connections and usage data.

What exactly gets logged by your ISP? 

  • Websites (domains) you visit
  • Search queries
  • IP addresses you connect to
  • Timestamps (when you were online)
  • Data usage (how much you download/upload)

ISPs record this data through techniques like DNS logging and deep packet inspection (DPI).

Why do ISPs log data? Many countries require ISPs to store user data for a certain period of time for law enforcement purposes. They also monitor traffic so they can optimize speed, detect abuse, manage bandwidth, or detect malicious activity. ISPs may also aggregate and sell browsing data to advertisers or use it to push targeted ads.

Can ISPs see everything? If you use incognito mode or delete your browsing history, your ISP can still log your activity because all traffic passes through their network. With HTTPS, though, they usually can’t see the exact pages or content.

If you use a VPN to change your IP address, your ISP can still see:

  • That you’re using a VPN
  • The IP address of the VPN server you connect to
  • When you connect/disconnect
  • How much data you use (volume of traffic)

Your ISP can recognize VPN usage because the traffic is encrypted and goes to known VPN servers. But with a VPN on, your ISP cannot see websites you visit, pages you view, searches you make, or files you download.