What is GeoIP Database?
A database that maps IP addresses to geographic locations, used for content localization, fraud detection, and unfortunately, user profiling.
GeoIP databases enable websites and services to determine your approximate location from your IP address.
Accuracy
- Country-level: ~99% accurate
- City-level: ~50-80% accurate
- Street-level: Not possible from IP alone
How It's Used
- Content localization: Showing local language and currency
- Geo-restrictions: Blocking access from certain countries
- Ad targeting: Location-based advertising
- Fraud detection: Flagging logins from unusual locations
Privacy Impact
Every website you visit can estimate your location. A VPN replaces your real IP with the VPN server's IP, making GeoIP databases report the server's location instead.
Major Providers
- MaxMind (GeoIP2/GeoLite2)
- IP2Location
- ipapi.co, ipinfo.io
Related Terms
Geofencing
A technology that creates a virtual boundary around a geographic area and can trigger actions when a device enters or exits that boundary.
IP Address
A unique numerical identifier assigned to every device connected to a computer network. Your IP address reveals your approximate geographic location and can be used to track your online activity, link your actions across websites, and identify your internet service provider.
Virtual Private Network
A technology that creates a secure, encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the public internet. VPNs mask your IP address, encrypt your internet traffic, and can make it appear as though you're browsing from a different location.
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