Protecting Privacy with VPNs

The UK is on the brink of implementing its Investigatory Powers Bill, commonly referred to as the "Snooper's Charter."

As the legislation is poised to become law by year-end, individuals in Britain must take proactive measures to safeguard their privacy.

One of the most effective ways to counteract the implications of this charter is by utilizing a VPN, or Virtual Private Network.

A VPN works by encrypting the data transmitted between your device and the internet, routing it through a server of your choice, thus providing a layer of anonymity.

This means that internet service providers (ISPs) and government bodies cannot track where your data is ultimately headed; they can only see that it's being sent to a remote server.

Moreover, the encryption ensures that the content of your online activities remains private.

However, relying solely on a VPN may not be sufficient to shield your online behavior from government scrutiny.

It’s crucial to choose a VPN that adheres to a no-logs policy, meaning it does not keep records of your activity, IP address, or any identifiable data.

Additionally, users should steer clear of VPNs based in the UK, as they may be compelled to comply with local data requests.

While your data may be encrypted, ISPs can still identify that a VPN is in use. If this poses a concern, opting for a VPN that includes obfuscation features is advisable.

Obfuscation disguises encrypted data, making it appear like regular, unencrypted traffic, thus enhancing your privacy further.

After extensive evaluation, we've identified some of the top-performing VPNs that can help you navigate around the Snooper's Charter:

1. ExpressVPN - Our top recommendation, based in the British Virgin Islands, it has a strict no-logs policy, offers fast servers, and robust security features. It also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.

   
   

2. NordVPN - A long-standing budget-friendly option with thousands of global servers and the ability to route traffic through Tor.

   
   

3. AirVPN - Known for its strong security measures and protections, although it may require more manual setup.When it comes to choosing a VPN that can effectively protect you from intrusive legislation like the Snooper’s Charter, not all options provide the same level of security.

   
   

Here’s a quick overview of some noteworthy VPNs:

• IPVanish : Known for its robust security measures and dependable performance, IPVanish can help bypass the Snooper's Charter. However, keep in mind that it operates under US jurisdiction.

  
  

• LiquidVPN : This VPN is also based in the US but offers strong safety features, including a canary warrant on its website to enhance transparency.

  
  

• StrongVPN : With extensive customization options for ports and encryption, StrongVPN allows users to tailor their level of protection. It boasts reliable server connections as well.

  
  

To simplify your quest for the ideal VPN, we've assembled a list highlighting the top contenders designed to counteract the Snooper’s Charter. Our selection criteria include:

• No retention of logs that could identify users on company servers

  
  

• High-grade encryption methods

  
  

• Not headquartered in the UK, with a preference for alternatives outside the US

  
  

• Protection against DNS leaks

  
  

• Use of dynamic, shared IP addresses

  
  

• Additional recognition for VPNs with obfuscation capabilities

  
  

These features are critical in ensuring your online privacy and security. Jan 2025ExpressVPN operates from the British Virgin Islands, which means it is not subject to UK legal jurisdiction.

It employs a robust 256-bit encrypted OpenVPN protocol by default, ensuring top-notch security.

While ExpressVPN does collect some diagnostic data, it does not track user activity or personal identifiers.

The information logged includes the date (not the time), server location selection, and daily data usage totals.

Crucially, it does not retain any specifics about internet traffic or users’ IP addresses.

Users can enable DNS leak protection in the settings for added security.

Additionally, ExpressVPN excels at bypassing restrictions for services like US Netflix and Hulu, and it supports torrenting.

However, it lacks built-in obfuscation features.

Key features include:

• Exceptional encryption for enhanced security and privacy.

  
  

• Guarantees complete privacy with no personal data logs.

  
  

• Offers both split-include and split-exclude options in desktop applications.

  
  

• Provides excellent connection speeds.

  
  

• User-friendly setup with applications available for various platforms.

  
  

• 24/7 live chat customer support.

  
  

• Allows a maximum of three simultaneous connections.

  
  

For those seeking a solution against the Snooper’s Charter, ExpressVPN stands out as a top choice.

It boasts an extensive server network tailored for high-speed performance and offers intuitive apps across all operating systems.

When it comes to privacy and security, it is hard to find a rival.

Plus, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service without risk.

For a detailed evaluation, check out our full review of ExpressVPN. For individuals seeking enhanced security and privacy, NordVPN presents a range of advanced features beyond what standard VPNs offer.

This includes a unique “double hop” option that routes your internet traffic through two separate VPN servers, and the capability to use Tor in conjunction with the VPN, which adds an additional layer of anonymity by sending traffic through the Tor network.

NordVPN employs OpenVPN with robust 256-bit encryption and 2,048-bit SSL keys, ensuring your data remains secure.

A standout feature of NordVPN is its strict no-logs policy, which guarantees that no user activity is recorded, allowing for true anonymity.

Operating from Panama, NordVPN is outside the jurisdiction of UK laws, enhancing its privacy credentials.

Additionally, the service includes an obfuscation tool known as obfsproxy, although it requires manual setup via a third-party application.

Key benefits of NordVPN include:

• Always-on secure and encrypted connections
• Strong focus on user security and privacy
• Full anonymity through a no-logs policy and accepting cryptocurrency payments
• High-speed downloading and streaming capabilities
• Ability to connect up to 6 devices at once
• Limitation on server selection for user connections

If you’re looking for an affordable option, NordVPN stands out as a great value. It excels across various categories, offers robust security measures, and supports simultaneous use on 6 devices with one account.

Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee for added peace of mind.

For more in-depth insights, be sure to check out our comprehensive review of NordVPN.

VPN Security Features Overview

When it comes to security features in VPN applications, AirVPN stands out, despite its less-than-intuitive interface and subpar user experience.

It offers robust security options, including support for OpenVPN over both SSH and SSL.

Key features include:- A built-in kill switch- DNS leak protection- DNS routing- Port forwarding

AirVPN exclusively utilizes the OpenVPN protocol, secured with 256-bit encryption, and it does not keep any logs of user activity or connections.

Being based in Italy, it operates outside the reach of the Snooper’s Charter, though it adheres to certain EU regulations.

Additional highlights include:- Highly configurable settings, compatible with Tor- A Linux app available- No monitoring or logging of online activities- Acceptance of Bitcoin for payments- Community-driven support primarily via forums

For those prioritizing privacy, AirVPN is an excellent choice, offering a community-managed VPN network that emphasizes security over user convenience.

However, users should be ready to adjust settings manually to optimize performance with Tor.

Stay tuned for an in-depth review of AirVPN soon. IPVanish employs robust 256-bit AES encryption, ensuring high-level security for users.

Most of its servers utilize the OpenVPN protocol, a preferred choice for many due to its reliability.

The service is committed to privacy, with a strict no-logging policy that keeps personal information secure.

Users of Windows and Mac can customize the frequency of their IP address changes, enhancing their anonymity.

Additionally, a unique “scramble” feature disguises data packets, making them appear like regular traffic, which complicates detection by ISPs.

Although IPVanish is headquartered in the United States, where surveillance concerns exist, the Snooper’s Charter does not mandate U.S. companies to reveal user information.

Key features include:

• AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logging policy for peace of mind.

  
  

• The scramble option assists in avoiding bandwidth throttling by obfuscating usage.

  
  

• User-friendly applications are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.

  
  

• Built-in DNS leak protection and IPv6 leak protection for added security.

  
  

• Customer support is limited to email and ticket systems, lacking live chat options.

  
  

With a vast server network, IPVanish provides fast and reliable connections, maintaining strong security and privacy protocols.

While the absence of live support is a drawback, the service offers a 7-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to test it risk-free.

For a comprehensive assessment, check out our full review of IPVanish.

LiquidVPN provides users with a choice of three distinct IP address configurations: private static IP, shared dynamic IP, and modulating IP.

The modulating IP feature enhances privacy by changing your IP address each time you connect to a different server, making your online activities harder to trace.

For secure connections, LiquidVPN employs 256-bit encryption alongside the OpenVPN protocol.

Additionally, their Liquid Lock feature acts as a kill switch, effectively preventing DNS and WebRTC leaks.

Users can select from ten different ports, and LiquidVPN is notable for implementing perfect forward secrecy, which adds an extra layer of security.

Although LiquidVPN is based in the United States, similar to IPVanish, they maintain a warrant canary on their website as a transparency measure.

While the service does not log any personal identifiers, it does keep track of the last VPN used, total login attempts, and bandwidth consumption.

Key features include:

• Exceptional security measures with a unique modulating IP address
• User-friendly applications
• High-speed downloads
• Compliance with US data regulations
• Absence of live customer support

Overall, LiquidVPN offers impressive speeds and solid security features.

However, it could benefit from a broader server network and live support options.

They also provide a 7-day money-back guarantee for new users.

For more detailed insights, consider reading our comprehensive review of LiquidVPN.

StrongVPN Privacy and Security Features

StrongVPN lacks OpenVPN support across all its servers, yet it does provide robust 256-bit encryption on those that do. To safeguard your privacy, it features a kill switch that blocks unencrypted traffic from leaking to your ISP in the event of a dropped connection. Additionally, the scramble option helps mask your traffic, making it less detectable as VPN usage. Users can customize the port list to manage traffic from specific applications. Importantly, StrongVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, offering dynamic and shared IP addresses that obscure individual user activities.

• Your privacy is safeguarded by a no-logs policy.
• Known for effectively bypassing censorship.
• Offers high-level encryption and authentication measures.
• Some may find the minimalist interface restrictive.
• Customer support may not meet all user expectations.
• Limited number of server locations available.

StrongVPN is recognized for its reliable ability to overcome geo-blocking, particularly with a dependable network throughout the Asia-Pacific region. It prioritizes user privacy and does not retain browsing logs. While it ensures strong security, manual setup may be challenging for some. A 45-day money-back guarantee is also offered.

In contrast, HMA, a UK-based VPN provider, faced backlash after it shared user information that resulted in the arrest of a LulzSec hacking group member.

As a general rule, it’s advisable to avoid free VPNs. These often engage in data mining, selling your information to advertisers, and injecting ads into your browsing experience. Additionally, free services usually impose limits on data and bandwidth. If you must opt for a free VPN, consider our curated list of reliable options.

The controversial bill, which has drawn criticism from privacy and human rights groups, introduces new rules for British ISPs while enhancing the powers of intelligence agencies. Proponents of the legislation claim it is crucial for combating terrorism.

The Snooper's Charter includes five main points:

• ISPs are required to maintain records of every subscriber’s web history for up to a year, accessible by various government entities.
• The GCHQ can conduct bulk data collection on individuals not accused of any crime, based on data collected from numerous devices in a targeted location.
• Companies must decrypt data upon government request.
• Firms are obligated to inform the government before implementing new security measures.
• Intelligence agencies like the GCHQ are permitted to hack into citizens' devices.The implications of the recent legislation are profound, posing a significant threat to the privacy rights of individuals in the UK. Despite any noble intentions behind these new regulations, the reality is that there's no assurance against unauthorized access to Internet Service Provider (ISP) records or the extensive data amassed. Just one individual with access to this information can easily exploit it for malicious purposes.

A survey conducted by Comparitech in August revealed that 60% of 1,000 British participants believe the government should monitor mass communications. Interestingly, a considerable portion, nearly half, prioritized national security over personal liberties, while only 20% opposed such surveillance practices entirely.

When asked about the scenarios that justify government surveillance, most respondents pointed to terrorism and crime as primary concerns. Alarmingly, almost half of those surveyed expressed a belief that the government is already snooping on their data, and around 40% were uncertain about the matter.

Following this survey, Comparitech carried out a second one two months later, coinciding with a ruling from the Investigatory Powers Tribunal that deemed the bulk collection of data by UK agencies like GCHQ and MI5 over a span of 17 years unlawful. Participants were posed similar questions, and the awareness of illegal data collection significantly shifted public sentiment.

Now aware of the government's unlawful data acquisition, 70% of respondents felt that all personal data obtained illegally should be erased. Support for bulk data collection plummeted to 23%, a stark contrast from the 60% approval in the earlier survey.

With the Investigatory Powers Bill now legitimizing similar data collection practices, it raises the question: will public opinion sway once more in favor of such measures?

For those looking for privacy alternatives, Tor can serve as an effective tool to encrypt and anonymize online activities. It's a free resource that many find beneficial.

However, Tor does have its drawbacks. Simply using Tor, even for benign purposes, can attract scrutiny from ISPs and law enforcement, as it is often associated with illicit activities. Furthermore, the Tor network operates at a slower pace due to its reliance on volunteer nodes globally, making activities like video streaming or torrent downloading frustratingly slow and burdensome on the network.

Additionally, not all websites or applications are compatible with Tor, as some actively block connections from Tor exit nodes.

While Tor may suffice for certain users, a VPN presents a more robust solution, addressing many of these challenges. For enhanced privacy, users can also opt to use a VPN in conjunction with the Tor browser for a layered approach to online anonymity.

What is a Netflix VPN and How to Get One

A Netflix VPN is a virtual private network that enables users to access region-restricted content on Netflix by connecting to servers in different countries. By using a reliable VPN provider that supports streaming, users can create an account, download and install the VPN application, and connect to a server in the desired region to log in and enjoy the content available on Netflix from that location.

Why Choose SafeShell as Your Netflix VPN?

If people want to access region-restricted content by Netflix VPN, they may want to consider the SafeShell VPN . SafeShell VPN offers a range of benefits that make it a top choice for Netflix users looking to enjoy unblocked content from across the globe. With high-speed servers specifically optimized for Netflix, users can experience seamless streaming of their favorite shows and movies without any interruptions. The cutting-edge technology ensures lightning-fast connection speeds, enabling buffer-free playback and high-definition streaming, so you can watch your favorite content in the best quality possible.

Moreover, SafeShell VPN allows users to connect multiple devices at once, supporting up to five simultaneous connections across a variety of platforms such as Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, and Apple Vision Pro. This means you can enjoy netflix unblocked on any device you choose. The exclusive App Mode feature further enhances user experience by unlocking and allowing access to content from multiple regions simultaneously, thus broadening your entertainment options. Coupled with lightning-fast speeds and top-level security through the proprietary "ShellGuard" protocol, SafeShell VPN ensures that you can stream, download, and browse securely and swiftly without any bandwidth limitations.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Watch Netflix with SafeShell VPN

To use SafeShell Netflix VPN and unlock Netflix content from various regions, follow these straightforward steps:

• Subscribe to SafeShell VPN by visiting their official website, selecting a suitable plan, and clicking "Subscribe Now".

  
  

• Download and install the SafeShell VPN app on your device by choosing the correct version for your operating system.

  
  

• After installation, launch the app and log in to your account. For an optimized Netflix experience, select the APP mode.

  
  

• Browse the list of available VPN servers and connect to a server in the region whose Netflix library you want to access, such as the US, UK, or Canada.

  
  

• Finally, open the Netflix app or website, log into your Netflix account, and enjoy the content from the region you've selected.