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?
I have engineered my instance to not log IPs at the reverse proxy, so yes it can be done, however, you should always use a VPN because of network observers (ISP, datacenters).
Not an answer to your question, but rather an observation. Best to always assume you’re being tracked and behave accordingly.
Also consider that since you never necessarily know what version of Lemmy an instance is running, any given instance can even be modified to collect more/fewer metrics than stock Lemmy. There’s a lot of trust involved with which instance you decide to use.
poster/commentor IP logged by lemmy into a lemmy DB? based in DB tables, apparently not. IP logged by the middlware reverse proxy running on the instance? most likely logged into its logfile (unless disabled by the instance admin.)
upshot is… your home instance admin will see your IP if they really want to. other remote instancess should not, as lemmy does not apppear to know or care what your IP is.
Tor is your friend.
if anyone knows different, please correct.
edit: typos and clarification
by default most web app servers and the infra you access them through will log IP and User Agent/Browser at minimum. Even if a lemmy instance is configured to not log, it is very likely the app firewall, router or other layer will be logging. something to be aware of for ops that want to make sure logs are clear.
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.
My recommendation is to use vpn 24/7 except when split tunneling whatever application (2nd browser for example)
I’m also curious, most likely some IP info is being logged at least for diagnostics/firewall but otherwise not too sure.
FYI this particular Lemmy instance is Tor Browser friendly so if you’re concerned you could always browse with that. Interestingly there are a bunch of Lemmy instances that definitely aren’t Tor friendly.
Or use a VPN.
