These 18 Popular VPNs Share Parent Companies and Privacy Risks

The study reveals that several popular VPN services share common parent companies, which raises concerns about their privacy claims. Researchers found that 18 VPN providers, including some well-known names, are interconnected through shared ownership or other business relationships. This finding challenges the notion of these VPNs offering truly independent and secure services, as the common ownership could potentially undermine their privacy protections. The report emphasizes the need for consumers to carefully research the ownership and policies of VPN providers before selecting one, as the shared parent companies may have access to user data across multiple VPN services. The study highlights the importance of transparency and independent auditing of VPN providers to ensure they are upholding their privacy promises. The findings serve as a reminder that consumers should scrutinize the claims and affiliations of VPN services to make informed decisions about protecting their online privacy.