IP Addresses

Definition

An IP address, or Internet Protocol address, is a unique string of numbers separated by periods or colons that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network. It serves as the digital address for devices, allowing them to send and receive information over the internet. This identification is crucial for maintaining the integrity of data exchange and can have implications for privacy and source protection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. IP addresses come in two versions: IPv4, which uses a 32-bit format and is the most widely used, and IPv6, which uses a 128-bit format to accommodate the growing number of devices.
2. Every device connected to the internet must have a unique IP address to ensure that data is sent to the correct destination.
3. IP addresses can be static, remaining constant over time, or dynamic, changing periodically as assigned by the Internet Service Provider (ISP).
4. In many jurisdictions, law enforcement can obtain IP addresses to trace individuals online, raising concerns about source protection and journalistic confidentiality.
5. Journalists and sources may utilize technologies such as VPNs or Tor networks to obscure their IP addresses when communicating sensitive information.

Review Questions

• How do IP addresses impact the protection of sources in journalism?
  • IP addresses play a significant role in protecting sources in journalism as they can potentially reveal the identity and location of individuals communicating sensitive information. If a journalist's or a source's IP address is tracked by authorities, it can lead to unwanted exposure. Consequently, journalists often utilize methods like VPNs to mask their IP addresses when gathering information from confidential sources to safeguard their identity.
• Discuss the implications of static versus dynamic IP addresses in relation to source confidentiality.
  • Static IP addresses remain consistent over time, making it easier for third parties to track an individual’s online activities, which can jeopardize source confidentiality. In contrast, dynamic IP addresses change periodically, offering a layer of anonymity that can be beneficial for journalists seeking to protect their sources. However, even dynamic IP addresses can be logged and traced back if authorities are determined enough. Understanding these differences is essential for journalists who prioritize source protection in their reporting.
• Evaluate how advancements in internet technology could influence future practices for protecting sources through IP address management.
  • Advancements in internet technology, particularly regarding privacy tools like stronger VPN services and more widespread adoption of encrypted communication protocols, could significantly improve practices for protecting sources. Enhanced anonymity features could allow journalists and their sources to communicate without exposing their IP addresses. As cyber threats evolve and privacy concerns mount, innovative solutions will likely emerge that not only protect identity but also ensure that critical information can be shared securely in an increasingly digital landscape.

Related terms

Internet Protocol (IP): A set of rules governing the format of data sent over the internet or local network, crucial for data packet routing.

VPN (Virtual Private Network): A technology that creates a secure connection over the internet, often masking the user’s IP address to enhance privacy.

Anonymity: The state of being not identifiable within a set of subjects, often sought by individuals using technology to protect their identity online.