What do Proxy Servers help to prevent between the user and a web application?

Proxy servers play a crucial role in enhancing security and privacy between the user and web applications. One of their primary functions is to maintain user anonymity by obscuring the user’s IP address. When a user connects to a web application through a proxy server, the request originates from the proxy's IP instead of the user's actual IP. This makes it difficult for the web application to determine the user's identity or location, thereby providing an additional layer of privacy.

Additionally, proxy servers can also help in circumventing IP blocking. If a web application restricts access based on IP addresses, users can utilize a proxy server with a different IP to bypass these restrictions, allowing them to access the application without the risk of being blocked.

This combined ability to maintain anonymity and bypass IP restrictions highlights why the answer encapsulating both of these functionalities is the correct choice. By offering these services, proxy servers enhance user security and navigation capabilities online.