What Country is Best for VPN Privacy?

Everyone has a right to access the Internet freely and privately, regardless of where they are. While VPNs are developed mainly to respect this right, several countries have strict laws and regulations that monitor or ban certain online activities done through a VPN.

For this reason, choosing the right server location/country is very important as your internet speed, protection against external threats, and overall browsing experience depend significantly on it.

This article provides the best VPN server locations perfect for your online activities. We used various factors, such as data privacy laws, Internet freedom, and digital infrastructure, to assess the reliability of connecting to a server in the countries highlighted here.

Quick List – Best Countries for VPN Privacy

Check out the six best countries that provide VPN privacy:

Detailed List – Best Countries for VPN Privacy

Below is a detailed overview of 6 best countries that guarantee your online privacy when using a VPN;

1. British Virgin Island (BVI)

The British Virgin Islands houses one of the best VPN service providers – ExtremeVPN. BVI has laws and regulations on processing personal data under the Data Protection Act (DPA). The DPA governs how public and private companies can process personal information. Based on this act, a company can only use your data (or any sensitive information) for something with proof of adequate data protection or consent.

In addition, BVI privacy law requires a ‘data controller’ to protect personal data from misuse or modification. Although this law exists, VPNs like ExtremeVPN, based in the BVI, only demand the least personal information from their users.

ExtremeVPN only asks for its users’ email addresses when signing up. While they store users’ payment information, payment methods such as cryptocurrency are allowed to promote an anonymous form of payment. Also, ExtremeVPN comes with a no-log policy, which guarantees you the online privacy you require. With the DPA laws in BVI, you can rest assured that your online traffic and data won’t be monitored, misused, or stolen.

2. Switzerland

Switzerland, known for its mountains, clocks, cheese, and chocolates, has proven to be one of the best locations for VPN providers. As a neutral country, it does not partake in any alliances or unions that can place your online activities under monitoring by a third party.

Also, Switzerland takes laws about personal privacy protection seriously, as it even states it in its Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP). By reading it, you can check what kind of personal information can VPN providers store, how it can be processed, and who can access it.

Switzerland demands that a data controller, such as a VPN provider, can’t disclose your personal information without clearly stating the purpose and consenting to the request. If not, the VPN provider will be legally penalized. All these laws kept in place make Switzerland a haven that prevents you from worrying about your information privacy.

3. Panama

Many VPN providers have servers in Panama due to the anonymity of connecting to a server location there. Panama is famous for its strict laws governing the effects of offshore jurisdiction, which makes it an excellent place for VPN services.

With its safe offshore jurisdiction, additional protection is placed on users’ data, which means that the chance of a VPN provider being forced to transfer data to authorities is minimal. Under Article 29 of Panama’s constitution, online privacy protection is clearly stated and requires that private activities can’t be intercepted without a warrant.

Also, Bill 665 was passed on Personal Data Protection and stated that any party storing personal information is to delete it within ten days of the owner’s request. These laws kept in place make Panama to be recognized as one of the best countries for online privacy.

4. Malaysia

Malaysia surprisingly makes this list as one of the best countries that guarantee your online privacy. Despite its restrictions on certain online activities, it boasts of strict privacy laws that not only protect Malaysian organizations and citizens but also anyone that connects to a server location in Malaysia.

Malaysia implements one of the strictest privacy regulations in the world that ensures that your data is safeguarded and kept safe from any third-party use. This law is clearly stated in its Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), and non-compliance can result in a fine or imprisonment!

5. Iceland

Iceland remains one of the finest countries for VPN providers, even though no major VPNs are based there. The country houses several laws and regulations that guarantee your online privacy.

One of these laws includes the Equal Access Act, which prevents ISPs from restricting access to any Internet site to any browsing done in Iceland (including a server connection). Also, through its Data Protection Act, users have more control over their data and how it can be stored.

With Iceland’s existing commitment to online privacy and freedom, connecting to a server location in Iceland can guarantee the safety of your personal information.

6. Spain

Spain is part of the European Union and follows the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The country also has its own data protection and online privacy laws guaranteeing an individual’s right to privacy and personal data protection. This includes your right to consent or withdraw from collecting and using your personal information.

Spain’s data protection law not only protects its citizens or companies based there but can also protect you if you connect to a server location in Spain.

Important Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Country for VPN Privacy

As important as it is to connect to a server location that cares about your online privacy and security, the country where the VPN service provider is located is also very important. The laws in each country affect your privacy when connected to a server, and the trust you should place in your VPN regarding your data.

Before deciding on the country with the best VPN privacy service, you must answer the following questions;

Does the Country Have Mandatory Data Retention Laws?

Most countries have data retention laws forcing ISPs to store user data and report these activities to the government. In some countries, the ISPs must store their user’s name, location, duration of online session, device model, websites visited, online calls made and received, and emails sent.

Taking the British Virgin Islands as an example. Like almost all countries worldwide, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has data retention laws. However, the BVI proposed a Data Protection Act (DPA) in 2019, such that any company or organization that has access to a person’s data must request access, which will only be approved under the consent of the person in question. If a private or public company disregards this law, there will be legal penalties.

This law suggests that BVI-based companies must strictly abide by this law and handle your personal data and online traffic transparently and responsibly.

Can the VPN Service Provider Be Forced to Intercept or Log User Data

What’s worse than a country with data retention laws is a country that gives secret directives to VPN companies to log their user’s data without liability. In some countries, such as the US, UK, and Germany, government directives typically come with a gag order, preventing VPN companies from disclosing that they have been coerced to start logging their user’s online activities.

The British Virgin Islands differentiates itself from other countries regarding this secrecy regulation as the DPA clearly states how users’ data are managed. Before authorities can use your data, your information can only be accessed once you clearly understand the purpose of the access request and approve it. So, you can rest assured that all data stored when connected to ExtremeVPN or a server location in the BVI is tightly secured.

Is the Country Party to Any Monitoring or Intelligence Sharing Agreements?

Even if a country has strong privacy laws, its involvement in surveillance and intelligence-sharing agreements might make enforcing those laws more challenging. Certain countries are part of the 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, or 14 Eyes intelligence sharing agreement. The countries included in these agreements are vulnerable to harsh data collection and retention laws.

These intelligence monitoring and sharing agreements entail that these countries’ law enforcement and intelligence agencies can take advantage of their most intrusive law enforcement measure. Fortunately, BVI does not belong to the 14-Eyes intelligence agreement, making it the perfect choice for a VPN connection.

Does the Country Have an Advanced IT Infrastructure?

A significant amount of technological expertise, typically accessible in more developed countries, is required to establish and operate a VPN service. The British Virgin Islands is no exception to countries with the most advanced technological infrastructure and a vast talent pool integrated worldwide.

What’s the Best VPN Location for Privacy?

The best VPN location to connect to for online privacy is the British Virgin Islands. This country is known for its strict data protection laws, which favor individuals and require consent from the owner before access can be granted to a third party.

Also, the BVI does not belong to any intelligence alliance such as the 5 eyes, 9 eyes, or 14 eyes, further increasing the optimum safety the country provides for your data.

What’s the Best Country for VPN Streaming?

British Virgin Islands is one of the best countries for VPN streaming. Due to the country’s favorable data protection law, VPN providers can ensure that users’ streaming activities remain secure and private. Users will also enjoy unrestricted access to streaming platforms like Netflix, HULU, and HBO Max.

Connecting to a BVI-based VPN such as ExtremeVPN can ensure a seamless and unrestricted streaming experience.

What’s the Best VPN Server Location for Torrenting?

If you are looking for a VPN server location perfect for torrenting, connect to any server in the British Virgin Islands. In most countries worldwide, downloading copyrighted files using P2P sharing is deemed illegal. This act can either lead to a strict warning by your ISP or, in the worst-case scenario, you get prosecuted.

However, BVI is a safe haven with a strict no-logging policy. With this policy, you can start enjoying worry-free torrenting. ExtremeVPN also offers a dedicated P2P server in the British Virgin Islands.

What Countries to Avoid Using a VPN

North Korea stays at the top of the VPN countries to avoid. While only a tiny percent of their population can access the global Internet, the rest of their citizens can only go online through a restrictive Internet service called ‘Kwangmyong.’

As this intranet service is closed off, VPNs don’t work with it. Even if you discover a VPN with a North Korean server, connecting to it isn’t beneficial, as access to most social media and news sites is blocked.

Another country to avoid is China. The Chinese government boasts of one of the largest and most advanced censorship systems – the Great Firewall. This censorship system provided a means for the Chinese government to track the web activities of VPN users, which is against the purpose of using a VPN. Also, with a Chinese IP address, you won’t be able to access most social media platforms, such as Facebook, and specific news sites, including foreign journals.

It should not be a surprise that Russia made to this list. The country is popular for its cybersecurity issues and the great lengths its government goes to monitor Internet activities performed in the country. It even went as far as stating the terms for allowing a VPN provider to operate there, including one that requires companies to log their users’ data.

Syria is another country to avoid. After their civil war, the country placed restrictions on certain online services and websites. This is because no one in the country is legally prevented from producing or accessing content that will criticize the government. Also, the Syrian government occasionally plans Internet shutdowns, possibly due to the attacks on their digital infrastructure.

FAQS

Can I use a VPN server located in my own country?

You can use a VPN server in your country if you are uninterested in unblocking restricted sites and need only an extra layer of online privacy. Additionally, you will be sure of a fast Internet connection speed whenever you connect to a server location in your country.

Which country has the fastest VPN server?

Generally, the best country for VPN speed is the one that is closest to your location. The longer the distance between your country and the one you wish to connect to, the more your connection speed drops. Or, you can connect to a country with an excellent digital infrastructure, such as the British Virgin Islands.

What countries require VPNs the most?

Countries such as the UAE, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, and others require the maximum usage of VPNs. This is because of internet surveillance and government restrictions imposed on their citizens. Also, a VPN can be helpful in countries that are a part of the 14 Eyes Intelligence alliance, such as the United States.