Hello! I've recently updated my configurations for AmneziaWG, Wireguard and OpenVPN on all devices, and I've noticed that there are some strange inconsitencies regarding the location and the ad blocking feature.
So, I generated separate sets of configurations for Amnezia, WG and OpenVPN each — one set with "Block ads and trackers" on (DNS shows as 10.0.0.21) and another one with it off (DNS 10.0.0.20).
Despite that, I didn't notice any changes between the sets, and the inconsistencies are noticeable:
- While using some locations (NL, SE, DE and others), I see no ads on YouTube, but I see ads on all other platforms, regardless of whether I use the configurations with 10.0.0.20 or 10.0.0.21.
- While using some other locations (SG, BR and others), I see ads on all platforms, regardless of whether I use the configurations with 10.0.0.20 or 10.0.0.21.
- 10.0.0.40 does not let me connect
Forgot to add - the VPN location I'm using shows up correctly on the websites that check IP (e.g. NE shows correctly as Amsterdam, etc.),
- no ads on Youtube might be due to the fact that there have been no ads on Youtube when accessed from Russia anyway.
It appears that Youtube shows the content based on its availability in Russia, as it is the country I'm accessing the VPN from, when I'm using NL, SE, DE and some other locations. I've seen the information that Youtube might track users using the same VPN as being from the same country, however that doesn't explain how the DNS 10.0.0.21 has no effect.
Before updating the configuration files, I've had some issues with high latency and availability, but I did not have the same issues I see now, so I'm not quite sure what's happened! Would appreciate any insight
3 Comments
Forgot to add
Hi,
Changing DNS does not affect VPN's IP address or it's location. Google/Youtube determines your location not just by your IP address but also by historical data tied to that IP.
This is DNS level ad blocking and it won't block all ads, because it's limited. This means that you will still get ads on YouTube as example. If you want to get rid off ads from YouTube you need to connect to servers in Albania or use uBlock Origin browser extension, or better both.
Ok, thanks a lot for the clarification!
I have been using the VPN on mobile and TV all day today and found some websites where the ads get blocked, so I finally get it. So, if I understood correctly, the VPN is working as intended, my configs are fine and the anti-ad DNS only works in some places. That makes sense. If that's only the issue with Google, that's okay.
Thnx so much for the quick reply and great quality of service as usual! The update is great and the reliability is better than ever!