Transparency reports offer an insight into what data the government has gained access to through subpoenas, warrants and other methods. This document is regularly published and discloses a variety of statistical information related to requests for user data, or records. We analyze logging policy of every provider while conducting our extensive VPN review process in detail.Ī transparency report or clearance report is a recurring document disclosed by companies in the interest of the general public. This is why connection logs are mostly used for service optimization and potentially dealing with user problems. Since connection logs are overwritten every 15-days or so, it makes it virtually useless for any investigation. The amount of data sent and received in bytes while connected to the VPN server.Ĭonnection logs are much harder to trace back to the original source. The IP address assigned by your VPN provider. The IP address associated with your phone or computer. This includes the start and ends timestamps of the VPN servers you use. Here’s what connection logs encompass: Connection Timestamps Connection logs are also stored for a much shorter period of time, typically for only 15-days at max. Like I said, connection VPN logs are relatively harmless and the most common form of logs that VPN providers keep. On the other hand, one VPN provider that received a major backlash for selling user logs is Hotspot Shield.Īfter Center for Democracy & Technology requested an investigation into Hotspot Shield logs, the company was found to not only log excessively but was also accused of using JavaScript injection for advertising and mishandling customers’ payment information. Since ExpressVPN didn’t log usage or activity logs, Turkish authorities weren’t able to find any logs to support their investigation. One such VPN provider is ExpressVPN.īack in Dec 2017, ExpressVPN’s servers got seized by Turkish investigators for being supposedly associated with the assassination of the Russian Ambassador, Andrei Karlov. Luckily, top VPN providers that offer paid subscriptions, no longer store connection logs. IP address combined with a timestamp is enough to expose your online activities. Think of this address as your home address. This includes user’s internet traffic, browsing history, downloaded files, purchase history, sent messages and even software used. To make it easier for you, here’s what usage logs are comprised of: Browsing History They log your data and sell it to third-party advertisers for targeted marketing. This type of data logging is common with free VPNs. By contrast, usage logs are much more invasive than connection logs.įor more clarity, let’s take a look at each of these VPN logs… Usage LogsĪs the name suggests, usage logs basically store the records of your online or browsing activities. Generally speaking, there are two main logs that VPN providers keep, usage logs and connection logs. I’ll also tell you which providers operate under the 5, 9 &14 eyes jurisdictions and which providers actually disclose their transparency reports.įor a quick overview, these are the 3 providers that are totally SAFE and keep no logs whatsoever: To make it easier for you, I’ll deconstruct the logging policies of 101 VPN providers in this guide. Since there’s a strong link between VPN logs and jurisdictions, you must choose wisely. However, if a provider logs extensively, you must avoid it. I mean, as long your VPN logs aren’t disclosing your actual address or phone number, you should be good. ![]() That said, a bit of data logging isn’t necessarily bad, and something you shouldn’t worry about. Think of it this way, if I lend you money, I’ll at least need to know your name, right? VPN providers use these terms very liberally, however, most of the times it is not actually true. “No Logs” is just a simple marketing term used to attract potential buyers. ![]()
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