As online privacy and security become increasingly important concerns, many individuals and organizations turn to Virtual Private Networks for protection. However, new legislation passed in the US may impact the effectiveness of VPNs provided by US-based companies. The main question is whether or not it’s still wise to opt for a US-based VPN provider.
Generally, at this moment, it is recommended to use a VPN provider based outside the US. Still, there are tons of factors you should consider when deciding which VPN provider to opt for; some of the main ones are:
- Quality of service
- The company’s privacy policy
- The level of customer support provided
New legislation passed in the US, such as the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), can allow government agencies to collect and share certain types of user data with each other, including information collected by US-based VPN providers.
Naturally, these laws have raised concerns about the potential for US-based VPN providers to be more likely to comply with government requests for user data than VPN providers based in other countries with stronger privacy laws.
Moreover, some US-based VPN providers have been known to log users’ data, which completely defeats the purpose of using a VPN for privacy. This is why it is a good practice to research VPN providers’ policies, so you can be sure that they are keeping no-log or minimal-log policies and are completely transparent.
Finally, protecting yourself online is a necessity in today’s day, and age, which is why using a VPN from reputable non-US-based providers such as Le VPN is highly recommended.
Reasons To Avoid US-Based VPN Providers
If there’s one real thing that can be said with certainty, it’s that using a VPN is essential for maintaining online security as well as privacy. However, not all VPNs are created equal. In particular, it is important to be when considering VPN providers based in the US.
Generally, it is common knowledge that the US government has broad surveillance powers and is known to collect vast amounts of data on its citizens and foreigners alike. With that in mind, the location of a VPN provider should be at the top of your priorities when choosing which VPN to go for.
Besides government surveillance in the US, two more reasons to avoid US-based VPN providers are data retention laws and jurisdiction. If you didn’t know, US-based VPN providers might be subject to data retention laws, which require them to keep records of user activity for a certain period.
Furthermore, VPN providers located in the US are also subject to the jurisdiction of US courts, which means that they could be ordered to share user data with law enforcement agencies, which is one more thing to keep in mind when choosing a trustworthy VPN provider.
While a US-based VPN provider can have a large user base and a good reputation, the lack of privacy remains a problem. This is why choosing a VPN provider from a country with stronger privacy laws, such as Switzerland or France, is a better choice.
Quick Guideline for Choosing the Best VPN for Your Needs
With so many options available on the market, choosing the best VPN can be a daunting task. However, by following a few simple steps, one can be sure they are selecting a VPN service that best meets their needs.
After considering where the VPN provider is located, it’s time to think about encryption. In general, it’s best to look for a VPN that uses strong encryption protocols, as they help protect your data from cybercriminals and hackers by encrypting your internet connection.
The following factor to consider is speed. As you may already know, VPN can slow down your internet connection, so you should choose a provider that is fast enough for your wants and needs.
Moreover, checking if your device is compatible with the VPN is imperative before swiping your card. And, in case you run into any problems or have any questions, make sure that the provider has good customer support.
Finally, choosing the best VPN requires time, patience, and careful consideration of your needs and budget. By following this simple guideline, you can be sure that the VPN service you’ve chosen will provide you with the privacy and security you need and deserve.
You Should Use a VPN No matter Where You Live
If there’s one thing that can be said with certainty, it’s that VPNs have become increasingly popular over the years due to the myriad of benefits they offer. One of the main benefits of a VPN is its ability to protect your online privacy and security, which is highly needed in today’s day and age.
If you are someone who frequently uses public WiFi or connects to generally unsecured networks, VPN is a must. When you use a VPN, your internet connection is routed through an encrypted tunnel, making it much more difficult for hackers and cybercriminals to compromise your data.
Additionally, a VPN allows you to bypass internet censorship, which is particularly useful for people living in countries with strict internet regulations or those who often travel abroad.
Ultimately, not all US-based VPN providers are bad for you, as the safety and security of a VPN provider depend on the specific policies and practices of the provider itself rather than its location.
Finally, as a general rule of thumb, when selecting a VPN provider, you should thoroughly research the provider’s privacy policies, reputation, and jurisdiction and opt for a provider with a strong commitment to user privacy and security, such as Le VPN.
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Written by Vuk Mujović @VukMujovic
Vuk Mujović is the founder of MacTíre Consulting, an analyst, data management expert, and a long-term writer on all things business & tech. He authored blogs, articles, and opinion pieces aimed to help both companies and individuals achieve growth without compromising their security. Vuk is a regular guest author to Le VPN Blog since January 2018, where he gives his expert opinion on the topics related to cybersecurity, privacy, online freedom, and personal data protection. He also often shares his tips and best practices in relation to internet security and digital safety of private individuals and small businesses, including some additional applications of using a VPN service.