For instance say I post a guide on how to do something related to piracy…should I be concerned that my IP is being logged? I understand if it is logged it is most likely saved on the instance server I’m posting on. What I’m asking is if I should be constantly using a VPN while browsing or posting on instances?
Most if not all lemmy instances log at least ip address and username it is connected to. Unless instance owner specificly said that they are not, you are to assume the do at all times. In most cases this is to prevent any abuse on the server. So its recommended that you always use encrypted tunnel with any piracy activity.