WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is an open-source technology built into all modern browsers that enables real-time audio, video and data communication directly between browsers – without plugins or additional software. It is used for video calls, file sharing and online gaming.
To establish peer-to-peer connections, WebRTC uses STUN servers to discover your real IP address – including your local IP (e.g. 192.168.1.1) and your public IP. This happens at the browser level, bypassing VPN tunnels. Websites can use JavaScript to query your real IP address even if you are using a VPN.
WebRTC is a powerful browser technology for real-time communication but poses a significant privacy risk. It can reveal your real IP address – including local network IPs – even when using a VPN. This is because WebRTC operates at the browser level and bypasses VPN tunnels. Disabling WebRTC in your browser or using a VPN with WebRTC leak protection prevents this exposure.