VPN
Virtual Private Networks encrypt your traffic and hide your IP address.
Why use a VPN?
Section titled “Why use a VPN?”- Privacy: Hides your browsing activity from your ISP (Internet Service Provider).
- Security: Protects your data on public WiFi networks.
- Freedom: Bypasses censorship and geo-blocks (access content from other countries).
Criteria for Selection
Section titled “Criteria for Selection”- No Logs Policy: The provider must NOT store logs of your activity. This claim must be verified by a third-party audit (e.g., by Cure53 or PwC).
- Open Source Clients: The apps you install on your PC/Phone should be open source so researchers can verify they aren’t spyweare.
- Jurisdiction: Preferably based in countries with strong privacy laws (Switzerland, Panama, British Virgin Islands) and outside the 14 Eyes intelligence alliance (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.).
Recommendations
Section titled “Recommendations”The absolute gold standard for privacy.
- Why use it:
- Account Anonymity: You don’t create an account with an email. You generate a random 16-digit number. That IS your account.
- Payment: Accepts Cash (sent via mail), Crypto (Monero), and Vouchers. They know nothing about you.
- Tech: Strong focus on WireGuard adoption.
The reliable choice from CERN scientists.
- Why use it:
- Secure Core: Routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries (Switzerland, Iceland) before reaching the destination.
- Free Tier: The only “Free” VPN that is safe to use (Unlimited data, 3 locations, no ads, no selling data). It exists to upsell you to the paid plan, not to sell you out.
Ethical and transparent.
- Why use it: Hardline stance on ethics. They publish rigorous annual transparency reports and have a clean track record.
[!TIP] Avoid “Lifetime” VPNs. Running a VPN server costs money every month. If you paid once ($20 for lifetime), their business model is likely unsustainable or they are selling your data.