The Truth Behind Who Really Owns Your VPN
Have you ever wondered who’s actually behind your favorite VPN service? You’re not alone. While VPNs promise privacy, not knowing who runs them could mean trusting your data to someone you wouldn’t want anywhere near it.
Recent investigations have peeled back the curtain, revealing a surprising fact: many popular VPN services are controlled by just a handful of companies. That’s right—what seems like a wide selection of VPNs might actually belong to the same parent organization.
Let’s dive into what this means, why it matters, and how you can make smarter choices about the VPN you trust with your online activity.
What Is a VPN and Why Should You Care Who Owns It?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is like a secure tunnel for your internet activity. It hides your IP address and encrypts your data, which can:
Sounds amazing, right?
But here’s the catch: Every time you connect to a VPN, your traffic is redirected through their servers, which means your VPN provider can see everything you’re doing online—just like your ISP could.
So, if you replace your ISP with a VPN, don’t you want to know who’s running the show?
The Hidden Web of VPN Ownership
When we think of different VPN brands, we assume they’re owned by separate companies. But that’s not always true. In reality, a single company might operate multiple VPN services under different brand names. Kind of like how a few big corporations own dozens of grocery brands you thought were competitors.
A recent report dug deep into the VPN industry and connected some surprising dots. It found that 97 VPN services were controlled by only 23 companies.
Some examples?
Let that sink in: you might pay for CyberGhost and PIA thinking you’re hedging your bets, but in reality, they’re both under the same roof.
Why Consolidated Ownership Matters
What’s the big deal if one company owns a few VPNs?
Here are a few important reasons to care:
It’s like going to a restaurant with multiple menu options but realizing later all dishes are cooked by the same chef using the same ingredients. That kind of defeats the point of choice, doesn’t it?
Red Flags to Watch For When Choosing a VPN
If you’re looking for a VPN you can really trust, it’s important to look beyond the marketing noise. Here are some red flags to keep in mind:
How to Find Out Who Owns a VPN
Want to do some digging of your own? It’s not too hard if you know where to look.
If this sounds like homework—think of it this way: You wouldn’t hand over your house keys to a total stranger. Your internet usage deserves the same level of caution.
So, Who Can You Trust?
Let’s be honest—finding a truly independent, trustworthy VPN is tough. But not impossible.
Look for providers that:
Some smaller or open-source VPN projects have built loyal followings by doing just that. Their business model depends on user trust, so they go the extra mile to earn it.
Independent Doesn’t Always Mean Better
But here’s a twist: Just because a VPN is independently owned doesn’t automatically make it better. What really matters is the company’s track record. A well-run service owned by a larger group—but following strict privacy standards with strong security—might still be a solid choice.
In other words, ownership is just one piece of the puzzle.
Final Thoughts: Know Before You Browse
Choosing a VPN isn’t just about speed or price—it’s also about trust and transparency. If you’re using a VPN to protect your privacy, make sure you’re not handing over your internet life to a mysterious company in the shadows.
Ask yourself:
The more you know, the better protected you’ll be.
Remember, in the digital world, knowledge is the real armor. So next time you’re window-shopping for VPNs, look past the shiny logos and bold promises—and dig a little deeper.
