Posted by In today’s digital world, privacy has become a major concern. With governments, corporations, and advertisers tracking everything we do online, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are often marketed as the ultimate solution for protecting your privacy. They promise anonymity, data encryption, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions. But the reality is that most VPNs are a joke when it comes to real privacy.
This blog post will take a deep dive into why VPNs aren’t as private as they claim, how they collect and store your data, and what real alternatives exist for true online anonymity. If you’ve ever wondered whether a VPN is actually protecting you or just giving you a false sense of security, this article will give you the answers.
🔍 What Is a VPN and How Does It Work?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a service that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server, making it appear as if your connection is coming from a different location. This helps with:
- Hiding your IP address from websites and ISPs.
- Encrypting your data to prevent hackers from intercepting it.
- Bypassing geo-restrictions to access content not available in your region.
While this sounds great on paper, the truth is most VPNs fail at truly protecting your privacy. Let’s break down why.
🚨 Why Most VPNs Are a Joke When It Comes to Privacy
1️⃣ Fake “No-Logs” Policies
Many VPN providers claim they have a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t collect any data about your browsing activity. But in reality, many VPNs DO log user data and have been caught lying about it.
Examples of VPNs That Lied About Logs:
- PureVPN – Claimed “no logs,” but provided user data to the FBI.
- HideMyAss (HMA) – Stored logs and handed them over to UK authorities.
- Windscribe – Leaked IP logs despite claiming to be “private.”
- NordVPN – Uses tracking scripts in their apps, contradicting their privacy claims.
A true no-log VPN should not store any identifiable data. But most commercial VPNs collect logs while marketing themselves as “privacy-first.”
2️⃣ VPNs Require Personal Information
Most VPNs require an email and payment information to create an account. This immediately links your identity to their service. If privacy is the goal, why would they need your personal details?
- Real privacy-focused VPNs should not require an email.
- Accepting only anonymous payments like crypto or cash is a better practice.
Only a few VPNs (like Mullvad) allow users to sign up without an email and accept cash payments.
Here’s a comparison of the top 10 popular VPNs and why most of them are bad for privacy.
🔹 Comparison Table of the Top 10 VPNs and Their Privacy Issues
| VPN Provider | Logs Data? | Requires Email & Payment? | Based in Surveillance Country? | Past Privacy Scandals? | Trustworthy? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | ❌ Claims no logs, but unclear | ✅ Yes, requires email & payment | 🇻🇬 British Virgin Islands (Still under UK influence) | ✅ Owned by Kape Technologies, a shady company | ❌ Not fully trustworthy |
| NordVPN | ❌ Claims no logs, but has tracking scripts | ✅ Yes, requires email & payment | 🇵🇦 Panama (but works with US companies) | ✅ Had a server breach in 2018 | ❌ Questionable privacy |
| Surfshark | ❌ Claims no logs, but unclear policies | ✅ Yes, requires email & payment | 🇳🇱 Netherlands (14 Eyes country) | ❌ No major scandals, but owned by NordVPN | ❌ Uncertain privacy |
| CyberGhost | ❌ Logs timestamps and bandwidth usage | ✅ Yes, requires email & payment | 🇷🇴 Romania (cooperates with EU laws) | ✅ Owned by Kape Technologies | ❌ Not trustworthy |
| PIA (Private Internet Access) | ❌ Previously logged metadata | ✅ Yes, requires email & payment | 🇺🇸 USA (5 Eyes country) | ✅ Complies with US law enforcement requests | ❌ Bad for privacy |
| ProtonVPN | ✅ No logs | ✅ Yes, requires email & payment | 🇨🇭 Switzerland (Privacy-friendly) | ❌ No major scandals | ✅ Best among mainstream VPNs |
| Mullvad | ✅ No logs at all | ❌ No email required, accepts cash | 🇸🇪 Sweden (14 Eyes country) | ❌ No major scandals | ✅ One of the most private |
| Windscribe | ❌ Logs timestamps and bandwidth | ✅ Yes, requires email & payment | 🇨🇦 Canada (5 Eyes country) | ✅ Cooperates with authorities | ❌ Not trustworthy |
| HideMyAss (HMA) | ❌ Logs IP addresses | ✅ Yes, requires email & payment | 🇬🇧 UK (5 Eyes country) | ✅ Gave user data to law enforcement | ❌ Terrible for privacy |
| Hotspot Shield | ❌ Logs and sells user data | ✅ Yes, requires email & payment | 🇺🇸 USA (5 Eyes country) | ✅ Exposed for injecting ads into traffic | ❌ Worst for privacy |
🔹 Why Most VPNs Are a Joke When It Comes to Privacy
1️⃣ Fake “No-Logs” Claims – Many VPNs claim they don’t log data, but have been caught storing IP addresses, timestamps, and bandwidth usage.
2️⃣ Surveillance Country Jurisdiction – VPNs based in 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance countries (USA, UK, Canada, Netherlands, etc.) must comply with government data requests.
3️⃣ Owned by Shady Companies – Many VPNs (ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, PIA) are owned by Kape Technologies, a company with a history of spreading malware.
4️⃣ Leaks & Cooperation with Authorities – Some VPNs have handed over user data despite claiming they don’t keep logs (e.g., PureVPN, HideMyAss).
5️⃣ Require Personal Info – Almost all VPNs require email and payment details, making you traceable. A real privacy-focused VPN wouldn’t need this.
🔹 Which VPNs Are Actually Private?
The ONLY VPNs worth considering for real privacy:
✅ Mullvad VPN – No email needed, accepts cash, no logs
✅ ProtonVPN – Based in Switzerland, strong privacy policies
✅ Self-Hosted VPN (WireGuard/OpenVPN) – Running your own VPN is always better than trusting a third-party service
3️⃣ Most VPNs Are Based in Surveillance Countries
Many VPNs operate in countries that are part of the 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, and 14 Eyes alliances, which means they must comply with government data requests. This is a major privacy risk.
VPNs Based in Surveillance-Friendly Countries:
| VPN Provider | Jurisdiction | Part of 5/9/14 Eyes? | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | British Virgin Islands | Yes (UK influence) | 🔴 High |
| NordVPN | Panama | No (but works with US companies) | 🟠 Medium |
| CyberGhost | Romania | Yes (EU data laws) | 🟠 Medium |
| PIA (Private Internet Access) | USA | Yes (5 Eyes) | 🔴 High |
| Windscribe | Canada | Yes (5 Eyes) | 🔴 High |
| HideMyAss | UK | Yes (5 Eyes) | 🔴 High |
| Hotspot Shield | USA | Yes (5 Eyes) | 🔴 High |
If your VPN is based in the USA, UK, Canada, Netherlands, or any 5/9/14 Eyes country, they must comply with government orders to hand over data. This defeats the purpose of using a VPN for privacy.
4️⃣ Many VPNs Have a Shady Ownership Background
Several VPNs are owned by shady companies that don’t have a good track record with privacy.
Example: Kape Technologies
- Owns ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access (PIA), and ZenMate.
- Originally known as “Crossrider,” a company notorious for spreading malware.
- Their business model raises concerns about whether they truly prioritize privacy.
When choosing a VPN, you should always research who owns the company and whether they have a history of shady business practices.
5️⃣ Free VPNs Are the Worst
If a VPN is “free,” you are the product. Free VPNs often:
- Sell user data to advertisers.
- Inject ads and trackers into your traffic.
- Have weak security, leading to data leaks.
Notorious Free VPNs That Sell Data:
- Hola VPN – Sold user bandwidth, turning users into botnets.
- Betternet – Injected malware and adware into user devices.
- Turbo VPN – Logged user data and sold it to third parties.
A real privacy-focused VPN would never be free, because privacy costs money to maintain.
🔒 The Only VPNs That Are Actually Private
Most VPNs fail at protecting privacy, but a few VPNs still uphold strong privacy principles:
✅ Mullvad VPN – No email required, accepts cash payments, strict no-logs policy.
✅ ProtonVPN – Based in Switzerland, strong privacy protections, no-logs.
✅ Self-Hosted VPN (WireGuard/OpenVPN) – If you need a VPN, setting up your own on a VPS is always better than trusting a third-party provider.
If you truly care about privacy, these are the only VPN options worth considering.
🛡️ Best Alternatives to VPNs for True Privacy
Instead of relying on a commercial VPN, you can use more secure and anonymous methods:
🔹 Tor Browser – Fully anonymous browsing without trusting a VPN company.
🔹 Tails OS – A privacy-focused OS that leaves no trace.
🔹 Cloudflare WARP – Better than free VPNs for encryption, but not a full replacement.
🔹 Self-Hosted VPNs – Set up your own WireGuard or OpenVPN server for better control over your privacy.
USE WARP?
- WARP is a secure proxy that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through Cloudflare’s network.
- Unlike traditional VPNs, it does not hide your IP address or let you choose different locations.
- It primarily enhances privacy and security by encrypting your data, making it harder for ISPs to track your browsing.
Difference Between WARP and VPN:
| Feature | WARP | VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Encrypts Traffic | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Hides IP Address | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Bypasses Geo-Restrictions | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Prevents ISP Tracking | ✅ Partially | ✅ Fully |
| Faster Speed | ✅ Optimized | ❌ Often slower |
Types of WARP:
- 1.1.1.1 – Just a fast and private DNS resolver.
- 1.1.1.1 with WARP – Encrypts traffic for better security but doesn’t change your IP.
- WARP+ – Uses Cloudflare’s network for faster internet speeds.
- WARP+ Unlimited – Paid version with more speed and security benefits.
If you need privacy and encryption but don’t need an IP change, WARP is good. If you need to bypass geo-blocks or hide your IP, use a traditional VPN instead.
Cloudflare WARP can be a better option than a traditional VPN in certain cases, depending on what you need. Let’s break it down:
🔹 Advantages of WARP Over a VPN
✅ No Email or Payment Required – Unlike most VPNs that require sign-up, WARP lets you use its basic version for free without an account.
✅ No Logging of Personal Data – Cloudflare claims WARP does not track, log, or sell your browsing data. Many free VPNs do.
✅ Faster Speed – Traditional VPNs route your traffic through fewer servers, often slowing it down. WARP uses Cloudflare’s global network, which is highly optimized for speed.
✅ Encrypts Your Traffic – Even if your ISP can see you’re using WARP, they can’t see your exact web activity.
✅ Can Bypass Some Blocks – While WARP is not meant for bypassing geo-restrictions, it sometimes works for accessing blocked websites in some regions.
🔹 Does WARP Change Your IP?
Yes, WARP does change your IP, but not like a traditional VPN. Instead of giving you an IP from a different country, it assigns you an IP from Cloudflare’s network.
- This can help bypass some country-level restrictions because sites may see your connection as coming from Cloudflare instead of your real ISP.
- However, it won’t let you choose a specific country, like a VPN would.
🔹 Does WARP Work Like a VPN for Geo-Blocked Content?
🟢 Can sometimes bypass restrictions – If a website is blocked by your ISP, WARP may help you access it.
🔴 Does NOT work like a full VPN – If a site blocks Cloudflare’s network or requires a specific country IP, WARP won’t help.
🔹 Should You Use WARP Instead of a VPN?
👉 Use WARP if:
- You just want privacy, encryption, and faster browsing without giving personal details.
- You don’t need to choose different country locations.
- You want a simple, free solution with no email or payment.
👉 Use a VPN if:
- You need to hide your real IP completely.
- You want to choose a specific country to bypass geo-restrictions.
- You need to access Netflix, Hulu, or other region-locked content.
WARP is better than many free VPNs in terms of privacy, speed, and trustworthiness because it doesn’t sell data.
Are VPNs Worth It?
🔴 Most VPNs are a scam in the name of privacy – they collect data, comply with governments, and sell user info.
🟢 If you really need a VPN, use Mullvad, ProtonVPN, or host your own. Otherwise, use Tor for true anonymity.
Don’t fall for VPN marketing lies. Privacy requires more than just a VPN. Always research before trusting any service with your data.
Cloudflare WARP (1.1.1.1 with WARP) is not exactly a VPN, but it has some similarities.
Spyboy blog 