In the open letter dated July 13, U.S. Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-California) and Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) highlighted a study that claims 75 percent of leading VPN providers make “hyperbolic claims,” and engage in data practices that are deceptive and abusive.
“Problematic” VPN Providers Take Advantage of Customers
The lawmakers said many VPN providers “intentionally misrepresent the functionality of their products and fail to provide adequate security to their users.” To back this assertion, they cited a 2021 Consumer Reports study that assessed the privacy and security of 16 VPNs running on Windows 10. The letter stated that many no-log VPNs cannot be trusted, especially by people searching for information about abortion in states where it is now outlawed or severely restricted. VPN providers that have a no-logs policy claim they do not store or share user data with third parties. The lawmakers said there is a lack of transparency in the VPN industry, adding that “many VPN providers exploit, mislead, and take advantage of unwitting consumers.” “We are highly concerned that this deceptive advertising is giving abortion-seekers a false sense of security when searching for abortion-related care or information, putting them at high risk of prosecution,” they wrote.
Can a VPN Offer Protection for People Seeking Abortion?
A VPN is a software application that lets users connect to a server in a private network. When you connect to a VPN server, your internet traffic is encrypted and your IP address is changed. In essence, using a reliable VPN makes it almost impossible for third parties to monitor your online activities. Data collection and online tracking are rife today, and pundits have expressed concern that prosecutors could use people’s digital footprints as evidence against them in court. This incriminatory data may include abortion-related internet searches, appointment booking, or even private messages. While a VPN can help to protect your privacy and allow you to stay anonymous online, it’s simply not enough to clear your digital tracks completely. Even with a reliable VPN provider, you’re not guaranteed anonymity if you access certain services like your Google account. Also, data can be lifted from your device.
Data Privacy Amid Changing Abortion Policies
The lawmakers said the recent Supreme Court decision “amplified concerns about digital reproductive privacy.” Citing op-ed articles, they said abortion seekers are “increasingly told” that using a VPN while seeking information about abortion in states that have either outlawed or criminalized it is essential for their privacy. “The advice has also been applied to general privacy-related concerns and has brought VPNs into the mainstream among American internet users and resulted in a significant market boom,” the letter reads While the lawmakers condemned some VPN providers for their lack of safety and dishonesty, it is important to note that there are few truly no-log VPNs that have proven they do not collect or store user data. If you’re interested in learning about VPNs, their advantages and their shortcomings, our introductory guide to VPNs is a great resource.
