Web Real-Time Communications (WebRTC) is an advanced open-source technology that allows desktops and mobile browsers to exchange data in real time by using simple APIs.

WebRTC serves a plethora of purposes including enabling audio, video and network capabilities over mobile or web-based applications. WebRTC has functions similar to Media Capture and Streams API. All three can be combined for amazing multimedia capabilities never seen before on the web.

The key advantage of WebRTC is that it enables real-time peer-to-peer multimedia communications which is indispensable in today’s digital media age.

WebRTC comprises 3 main APIs:

• PeerConnection: This allows you to send and receive multimedia files
• GetUserMedia: AAs the name suggests, it gives access to a user's media (e.g camera and microphone).
• DataChannels: Enables transfer of non-media directly between browsers.

WebRTC is currently supported on the following browsers: Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Chrome and Google Chrome.

A major downside to WebTRC is that users’ privacy may be vulnerable due to leaking of their IP address by the VPNs they use.

Uncovered in 2015 by Paolo Stagno and tagged the “WebTRC Leak,” several users’ privacy was compromised when some well-known VPN providers started leaking the IP addresses of users to websites without their consent.

What’s worse, a recent survey states that an astonishing 23% of VPN providers are leaking the IP addresses of users as well as retaining personal information like device type, personal details, websites visited, and even payment information.

The test result on this page will tell you whether your browser is affected by this vulnerability.

Download WebRTC Leak Shield for your browser.

Chrome: WebRTC Leak Shield For Chrome

Firefox WebRTC Leak Shield For Firefox