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VPNs

Updated June 17, 2025

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection, keeping your activity private and secure from hackers, internet providers, and surveillance. It also hides your IP address, making it seem like you’re browsing from another location.

See Glossary > VPN — Virtual Private Network

Why use a VPN?

  • Adds an extra layer of security when in public spaces, like a café Wifi, or hotel.
  • Sometimes there are blockers on the Wifi network you are connected to, and you want to jump over them. Does not always work.
  • You need to access a website which has geolocation blocks.
  • Prevents tracking by websites and advertisers.
  • Hides your IP address and location.
  • Bypasses censorship and content restrictions.
  • Enhances privacy while browsing or streaming

Proton VPN icon

Proton VPN

Proton VPN is a privacy-focused virtual private network developed by the team behind Proton Mail. Based in Switzerland, it benefits from strong privacy laws and enforces a strict no-logs policy.

This is the preffered service at MobilityData for the following reasons:

  • open-source transparency;
  • independent audits;
  • supports the latest standards;
  • fast and reliable;
  • no ads even on the free plan;
  • does not record any transation or data.

How to install Proton VPN

The app should already be installed on your computer, inside Applications. Otherwise it is available in the Self-Service app.

How to use Proton VPN

  1. You will need a free account.
    1. Go to this page and look for the small Get Proton Free button on the right, under the prices.
    2. In the popup that opens, click Continue with free.
    3. Follow the steps to create an account with your @mobilitydata.org address.
      • You do not need 2FA/MFA for this account, you can add it if you wish.
    4. Do not forget to store all this information inside your 1Password Employee vault.
  2. Open the application and login with the account you defined earlier.
  3. Set the following settings:
    1. Open the preferences window (Proton VPN menu > Preferences, or Cmd+, )
    2. In the General tab, check Notify unprotected networks.
      • This way if you are disconnected or connected to an unsecure network, you will be notified.
    3. In the Connection tab, for the protocol you can choose Wireguard, but Smart is good enough.
    4. In the Advanced tab, check Allow alternative routing.
  4. Optionally in the main window, you can enable the Kill switch which will cut the internet connection entirely if you are disconnected from the VPN.
    • That way you do not use the internet without being aware you are not safe.
  5. Whenever you are ready to use, click on Quick connect.
  6. Whenever you are done using it, click Disconnect.

Note

Free plans do not allow you to choose the country you connect to.

Other VPN services that are safe to use

  1. NordVPN
    • Based in Panama
    • Independently audited no-logs policy
    • More mainstream but still strong on privacy
  2. Mullvad
    • Based in Sweden
    • No account needed (uses anonymous account numbers)
    • No-logs, strong reputation in privacy community
  3. IVPN
    • Based in Gibraltar
    • No-logs, supports anonymous payment (cash, Monero)
    • Transparent, open-source apps
  4. AirVPN
    • Based in Italy
    • Operated by activists/hacktivists
    • No-logs, strong technical configuration options
  5. Perfect Privacy
    • Based in Switzerland
    • No-logs, advanced features like multi-hop and TrackStop

VPN services to stay away from

The following VPN companies and services have been found to store user data and use that for other means. Please stay away from them.

  • Autumn Breeze Pte. Ltd.
  • Best VPN Proxy AppVPN
  • HulaVPN - Best Fast Secure VPN / HulaVPN - Fast Secure VPN
  • Now VPN - Best VPN Proxy
  • Ostrich VPN - Proxy Master / Ostrich VPN - Proxy Unlimited
  • Pearl VPN
  • Qihoo 360
  • Signal Secure VPN / Signal Secure VPN - Robot VPN
  • Snap VPN / Snap VPN: Super Fast VPN Proxy
  • Speedy Quark VPN - VPN Proxy / Speedy Quark VPN - VPN Master
  • Turbo VPN Private Browser / Turbo VPN - Secure VPN Proxy
  • VPN Proxy AppVPN
  • VPN Proxy Master - Super VPN
  • VPN Proxy OvpnSpider
  • VPNIFY - Unlimited VPN
  • WireVPN - Fast VPN & Proxy
  • Wirevpn - Secure & Fast VPN
  • X-VPN - Super VPN & Best Proxy / X-VPN - Private Browser VPN