When you're looking for a VPN, you usually pay attention to which parts of the world you can connect to. This is important because some countries are better at protecting personal data than others. In addition, there are countries where the use of a VPN is very limited, since there is mandatory data registration.
In case you didn't know, VPNs work by redirecting your internet traffic through their servers, which can be located all over the planet. Of course, these servers process your data and therefore VPNs need to be very careful when it comes to complying with local laws.
In other words, you should always try to connect to servers in a more lenient country to avoid collecting your data. So, read this article to find out about the best country for VPN in 2024.
Data Privacy Laws: Federal Data Protection Act (DPA)
VPNs based in the country: ProtonVPN, VyprVPN, Perfect Privacy VPN
Switzerland is known as one of the safest countries when it comes to VPN services. According to constitutional laws, every user can expect the highest level of protection while being online and the country seriously treats person’s privacy.
Though it is located in the central Europe, the country isn’t a member of the EU. Moreover, it isn’t included in the list of countries making up the European Economic Area. Therefore, it allows for unlimited usage of VPN services without adherence to strict Data Retention Directive (DRD).
Another serious point in favor of this country is that it isn’t a part of the 14-Eyes alliance. Though there are some facile data retention laws, they aren’t related to VPN providers.
If you are determined to find the best country to use for VPN, mind that country’s officials declared in 2012 that unauthorized file exchange isn’t a big deal and you can freely download copyrighted content for personal needs. Add to that a high status of the country when it comes to economic industry and you’ll understand that Switzerland is one of the best countries for VPN usage.
Data Privacy Laws: EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Unlike Switzerland, Spain is a member of the European Union, but it is still a very reliable VPN country to choose. The government protects personal data in all imaginable ways, so you can be sure no third-parties will access your sensitive info.
What really amazes about their laws is that they are equal for local companies as well as those located in foreign regions. Therefore, if you live in any other country and connects to VPN servers located in Spain, your data is automatically protected by high-end protocols.
Those people interested in torrenting will be pleased with the extensive policies maintained in the country in this respect. Local courts strictly monitor the content downloaded via torrents and keep a close eye on how it is used later.
If you download a movie to watch it at home and don’t plan to distribute it for financial benefit, there will be no problems with the law. The result is the opposite if you pursue the “getting rich” goal.
Data Privacy Laws: EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
VPNs based in the country: CyberGhost, PrivateVPN
Iceland has several laws that may disquiet VPN users, but the authorities have already expressed their negative opinion about joining international intelligence sharing deals such as the mentioned 5,9 and 14 Eyes Alliances.
5 years ago, the government presented and adopted the Equal Access to Internet laws, which is similar to the recently canceled Net Neutrality in America. According to this law, all “data service providers” must grant Iceland residents with unlimited and unbiased access to the network. Another measure taken in order to protect citizens is called the Data Protection Act.
However, mind that Iceland has brought to life data retention laws according to which telecom companies must keep records for up to half a year. But these laws are mainly aimed at guaranteeing public safety and prevent criminal problems, while barely touch VPN providers.
Data Privacy Laws: Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA)
VPNs based in the country: Hide.me
Though Malaysia can’t boast of numerous freedom laws, it is still frequently listed as one of the best countries for VPN. According to the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) that was implemented in 2013, every person can choose who can see their data and how long it can be retained.
The most notable thing about PDPA is that it fully eliminates cross-border data transferring out of the country. Simply put, regardless of what you do online while being connected to a Malaysian server, no one from abroad can track it.
The country stays outside the 14 Eyes region of influence and doesn’t have obligatory data retention laws. However, users interested in torrenting, can’t enjoy such goodies as the first entry in this overview offers. According to Malaysian anti-piracy laws, you’ll be punished if you download copyright-protected content.
Data Privacy Laws: General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
VPNs based in the country: CyberGhost
Though the country belongs to the European Union, it doesn’t adhere to the widely-established laws, especially the Data Retention Directive enacted in 2013. The Constitutional Court of Romania repealed those laws eleven years ago because they very perceived as something violating citizens’ rights to privacy.
In 2012 there appeared a new set of laws resembling those canceled earlier, and they also met the same fate in 2014. This way Romania may be called the best country to connect VPN regardless of its EU-tied nature.
Another interesting fact to consider is that Romania isn’t a participant of any surveillance alliance, namely the 5, 9, and 14 Eyes alliances. Copyright infringement is a regular practice on this territory because Romanian persecutors don’t pay much attention to protecting copyrighted content and think of it as a victimless crime.
Data Privacy Laws: Strict English Common Law
VPNs based in the country: ExpressVPN, Surfshark
The British Virgin Islands is a territory of the UK but it has its own laws and legislature. Many VPN providers choose the territory for locating their servers because of the absence of any intelligence-sharing agreements.
Thanks to a well-developed judiciary and code of laws unaffected by other countries, the BVI is regarded as the best VPN server location and praised for its indulgent attitude towards VPN operation.
The British Virgin Islands doesn’t have a formal data privacy law and adheres to the English common law, which serves as persuasive authority. Thus, local courts utilize the common law duties of privacy and confidentiality.
However, the most praiseworthy thing is the absence of mandatory data retention laws. That’s another reason why VPN providers choose this region as they don’t have to store logs and can lure more clients this way.
Data Privacy Laws: Californian Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
VPNs based in the country: Hide My IP, HotSpot Shield, IPVanish, Private Internet Access, VPN Unlimited and etc.
America is known for its strong constitutional protection of freedom of speech and press. The country maintains a fair policy of protecting users’ online freedom and privacy.
However, many people are still doubtful about the utmost confidentiality promised by the government and there are frequent talks about the authority's surveillance on the net. The countries officials claim that their oversight actions are fully justified by the need to deal with terrorism.
Choosing the best country for VPN, you need to clearly define your intentions. Is complete privacy your main concern? Or you want to get access to streaming platforms with a plethora of interesting content? If the latter is your objective, the USA can become an ideal option. In fact, some streaming platforms, e.g. Hulu and Disney+, are available only in America and a couple of other countries.
Even if an American-native service is available on foreign territories, the list of movies and programs on offer may be limited if compared to what the US citizens can watch. That’s why, if you want to get access to more films and TV shows, opt for one of the American servers!
