Researchers Discover 18 Popular VPNs Are Connected: Why This Matters

Researchers have uncovered that 18 popular virtual private network (VPN) services are connected, despite their claims of independence. The investigation revealed that these VPNs are owned by only three separate groups, raising concerns about the privacy and security implications for users. The findings are particularly significant as some of these VPNs have been recommended by prominent tech publications, such as CNET. However, the CNET-recommended VPNs were not included in the list of 18 connected services. The discovery highlights the need for greater transparency in the VPN industry, as users may have been unaware of the extent of the connections between these services. This raises questions about the reliability and trustworthiness of the VPN providers, as well as the potential for data-sharing or other practices that could compromise user privacy. The research underscores the importance for consumers to thoroughly investigate the ownership and practices of VPN providers before entrusting them with their sensitive online activities.