With free wifi available in public places, people can access social medias and news anywhere. I avail these services regularly. But, I am beginning to think that why would someone provide wifi for free? I also read that businesses give offer free wifi to see our search traffic. Is this real?
I read in one another blog about the potential risks of free wifi. http://nci.ca/potential-risks-free-wi-fi-minimize-risk/ . It was mentioned in the blog on using vpn service for secured internet. Since, I am a person who regularly surf the internet on free wifi, I would like to know the advantages of using the vpn to secure the internet. Pleease give your opinions on using vpn.

Thank you.