The primary purpose of virtual private networks (VPNs) is to provide secure, encrypted connections over the internet, allowing users to access private networks and browse the web anonymously. VPNs help protect sensitive personal information from potential threats, such as hackers or surveillance. By masking a user's IP address, a VPN can also bypass geographic content restrictions and censorship. This functionality is essential for privacy-conscious individuals and organizations that require a secure means of remote access to their networks.