Privacy & Jurisdiction Explained

Choosing a VPN is about more than just speed — it’s also about trust. Understanding where a VPN company is based, who owns it and what its logging practices are can help you determine whether your data will stay private. In this guide we break down jurisdictions, no‑logs claims, audits and surveillance alliances.

Jurisdiction Matters

A provider’s home country determines which laws it must obey and whether it can be compelled to log and share data. Here are some key considerations:

• Panama & British Virgin Islands: Favourable privacy jurisdictions with no mandatory data‑retention laws. NordVPN (Panama) and ExpressVPN (BVI) benefit from these protections.
• Netherlands: Part of the Nine Eyes alliance but has strong privacy regulation. Surfshark operates from here and maintains a no‑logs policy backed by audits.
• Switzerland: Strict data‑protection laws and neutrality make it one of the safest jurisdictions. Proton VPN’s Swiss base adds to its appeal.
• Romania: Outside of the 14 Eyes alliance, Romania is home to CyberGhost. While Kape Technologies owns CyberGhost, its no‑logs policy has been audited.

No‑Logs & Audits

Many VPNs claim to keep no logs, but only independent audits can verify these statements. Look for providers that have undergone multiple audits by reputable firms (PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, etc.) and publish transparency reports. NordVPN, ExpressVPN and Proton VPN have all completed recent no‑logs audits, while Surfshark and CyberGhost have been audited but less frequently.

Ownership & Independence

Industry consolidation means several well‑known VPN brands are owned by the same parent companies. This doesn’t necessarily compromise privacy, but it’s something to be aware of. NordVPN and Surfshark share a parent company (Nord Security), while CyberGhost is owned by Kape Technologies. We note ownership details in our reviews so you can make an informed decision.

Choosing a Private VPN

To maximise privacy, choose a service based in a country with strong data‑protection laws, backed by multiple independent audits, with a clear and proven no‑logs policy. Our top picks for privacy are NordVPN, Proton VPN and ExpressVPN. Each combines favourable jurisdiction, transparent ownership and regular external verification.

Ready to protect your privacy? Pick a provider below: