VPN
A VPN encrypts your traffic and routes it through another server; it hides the connection but not, on its own, your identity.
Uses
Protecting traffic on public Wi-Fi, hiding your IP from sites, bypassing some geo-restrictions.
For reputation
Content blocked in one country is still reachable via VPN, so the lasting fix is removal at source.
Frequently asked questions
Does a VPN make me anonymous?
No; accounts, cookies and browser fingerprints can still identify you.