What is a proxy?

A proxy site (formally known as a proxy server) allows a user to change their IP Address. They are often used to bypass blocked web pages on school/work systems, or to bypass a streaming issue to certain countries.

Of course, there are certain risks that come with using proxy servers. If you use a proxy server, all of the data being used must pass through it, mostly in an unencrypted form. This means that information might have been stored without your knowledge, which could lead to malicious intent.

Proxy users are by no means assured to visit any websites, as some websites that have been spammed by such proxies in the past have banned their IP addresses, and will continue to do so.

The use of proxy servers to bypass websites is prohibited by WikiAnswers. Please see the related question below.