What Are VPN Logs? Are They Risky For Canadian VPN Users?
When you use a VPN, the network’s primary purpose is to keep your data anonymous.
However, that is different from what typically happens with some VPN providers. VPN logs are not good; we will examine why that is so in this article.
There are millions of people today who make use of VPN apps to keep their online activities secure and private.
And although the VPN app can keep them secure and private on the Internet, one issue can still threaten their security.
This is quite true for anyone who uses a VPN app daily to access the Internet.
And this potential threat is what is known as VPN logs. This potential threat will be the subject of discussion for today’s article.
Before we proceed, however, we will take a moment to examine what VPN logs are before examining why they can be a potential threat to people using VPN apps for their internet activities in Canada.
What Is A VPN Log?
VPN logs are simply databases of information from the VPN users. It is similar to keeping records of the participants of an event.
The VPN logs can be divided into two categories, and they are:
- Metadata or connection and activity log
- Usage log
These two logs can put you at risk whenever you go online, even though you may think you are protected and your privacy has not been invaded.
They could keep logs of almost everything you do while you are online.
They can even keep your IP address without you knowing. When VPN companies keep logs of their users’ activities, it undermines the primary purpose of the VPN app, which is to provide users with anonymous networks so they can browse the Internet safely and securely.
So if a VPN company still keeps its users’ sensitive data stored, what is the point of using the VPN app in the first place?
When you use a VPN provider, you may think that your data has been encrypted and not stored.
However, that is only sometimes what happens. Some VPN providers will keep your logs even though they may advertise a no-logs policy.
A no-logs policy means they do not log your activity while you are online.
The most alarming thing here is that millions of people worldwide use VPN apps for their online browsing, and most of them are unaware that their VPN companies are keeping their sensitive data stored somewhere.
Although some of these companies will tell you they have a strict no-logs policy, you cannot tell if a VPN company is keeping logs.
Just because audits and investigations do not uncover any logs is not enough proof that the VPN company is not hiding any of them.
You would need unrestricted access inside the VPN provider before being confident that no logs have been kept.
There is, however, a reason why VPN companies are seen as trust-based services.
Though any company can build a reputation for itself and keep all of its customers pleased, there could still be some illegal activities happening behind closed doors that the customers will only be aware of once a full unrestricted investigation is conducted, you can also check out if using VPN is legal in Canada here.
We have seen this happen numerous times with some companies worldwide.
In the case of VPN providers, they could be keeping logs of their users’ activities while claiming that they have a strict no-logs policy.
So the main question here is why VPN providers keep logs of user activities when they are not supposed to be doing so. Let us examine below why they do that.
Why VPN Providers Keep Logs
One thing that both government and tech companies worldwide love is to keep data. Here are some of the reasons why VPN providers keep your data.
Financial Benefit
This is because users’ data have become a valuable commodity, and we have even heard of some of the biggest tech companies in the world not handling their users’ data well.
Some companies will even pay millions of dollars to obtain user data.
With this data, these companies can advertise their products correctly.
They can also use it to analyze the behavior of users, which will help them to develop their products well to suit what the people want.
This is one of the main reasons why VPN companies like to keep the data of their customers.
This is because they will have people buying the data, allowing them to make more money apart from what they make from selling the VPN.
Most of these VPN providers are well aware that they can profit from their users’ data, which is the main reason they keep them.
They even provide the data to the highest bidder.
Keeping Tabs On Users
Some also keep their user data to ensure that none of their users exceed the limit of their devices.
In this way, they will be able to know when a user is allowing more than enough people to get access to their account, which can be bad for the VPN provider financially.
By Law
Apart from the two reasons above, another essential reason that forces these VPN providers to keep user data is due to laws instituted by the government.
Some nations have banned VPNs outright, while others have restricted their use.
In the nations where the use of VPN apps has been restricted, the providers are required to keep logs of the users for the government.
Since some cybercriminals can sue VPNs to cover their nefarious online activities, some governments have made it a law that VPN providers keep logs of their users so that such people can be apprehended whenever they break the law.
In China, you can only access a VPN provider that has agreed to provide a back door for the government to monitor users’ activities.
Why Free VPN Providers Also Keep Logs
We will now look at why some free VPN providers also keep logs.
If you think getting a VPN service to protect you online for free seems too good to be true, that is because it is.
Free VPN providers also need to generate revenue to pay for their expenses, and they do this by keeping and selling the user data of their users.
Some VPN providers will be frank with you and let you know that they will be selling your data or sharing it in some way with third entities.
Betternet and OperaVPN tell you this plainly in their terms and conditions before you use their free services.
Best VPNs With No Logs Policy
Here are our top recommended VPNs With No Logs Policy In Canada:
- Private Internet Access (PIA)
- CyberGhost
- ExpressVPN
- NordVPN
- Surfshark
- PureVPN
- PrivateVPN
- TunnelBear
#1
Private Internnet Access
Distinguishing itself in server availability, Private Internet Access takes the lead with an array of servers positioned across the globe than most VPNs.
Private Internet Access (PIA) is among the fastest VPNs, clocking an average of 94 Mbps with no logs policy, enabling users to experience Philo TV, Screambox, Sling TV, Showtime, and even HBO Max with zero lag or buffering.
A single PIA account caters to up to 10 simultaneous connections, enhancing its value proposition. Moreover, PIA boasts state-of-the-art security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch.
Upholding a rigorous no-logs policy, PIA surpasses many VPNs, carefully avoiding even connection logs, making it an ideal choice for privacy-minded users.
PIA offers an extensive selection of apps catering to Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV enthusiasts. In addition, users can conveniently install PIA browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
#2
CyberGhost
CyberGhost stands out with an expansive server fleet, a characteristic that guarantees users can effortlessly unblock content in virtually any country.
This VPN has demonstrated exemplary performance in bypassing geo-restrictions.
Enhanced by its commendable price-to-quality ratio, CyberGhost is a top-pick contender when choosing the best VPN with no logs policy.
CyberGhost’s WireGuard protocol ensures top-tier connection speeds without significant speed disruption, averaging 86%.
Stability is this VPN’s strong suit, consistent video load times were noted throughout our testing phase.
To guarantee you can unblock your preferred streaming services every time, CyberGhost provides specialized servers specifically for streaming and online browsing.
When a device does not support VPN installation directly, you have the Smart DNS option. This feature allows for seamless streaming across multiple devices.
CyberGhost’s attractive pricing adds to its appeal. At $2.19/month, this VPN service provides a hassle-free solution to bypass popular streaming platforms such as:
#3
ExpressVPN
For a VPN with a notable worldwide network, ExpressVPN comes highly recommended. It holds servers within numerous regions, affirming its resilient footprint in these areas.
ExpressVPN also impresses globally with a massive network of over 3,000 servers across 90 countries and over 160 server locations.
ExpressVPN carries a kill switch feature safeguarding your network data. Thus, in case of accidental disconnections, your data remains secure within the VPN tunnel.
Regarded for its commitment to user privacy, ExpressVPN pushes the envelope with its strict adherence to the zero-logs policy, ensuring no data or activity logs are retained.
ExpressVPN stands out with impressive high-speed connections reaching up to 89 Mbps from a possible 100 Mbps, providing users with seamless and effective streaming.
ExpressVPN packs an incredible reputation for privacy. This is evident from their past resilience during server seizures by authorities, which served only to substantiate their zero-logs policy.
Priced at approximately $6.67 per month for a 12-month subscription (plus an additional 3 free months) and a 30-day money-back guarantee, ExpressVPN presents excellent value.
Its key features are the ability to support 5 simultaneous connections, enabling streaming of varied services on multiple devices simultaneously.
This is especially handy for viewers in Canada intending to access geo-restricted streaming platforms such as:
#4
NordVPN
One of our most recommended VPNs is NordVPN, which boasts a substantial presence with over 5,300 servers worldwide.
What sets NordVPN apart is its impressive speed, clocking in at 83 Mbps out of 100 Mbps, despite its strong 256-bit encryption.
The VPN also incorporates a kill-switch feature, which halts internet access when the VPN connection is lost, ensuring user privacy remains intact and making their no logs policy unique.
With its strict no-logs policy, the VPN guarantees that no activity logs are stored on its servers, providing additional privacy for users.
A subscription to NordVPN costs $3.29 per month, including six simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee – a solid offering at a reasonable price point.
#5
Surfshark
Another top-performing VPN for your online activities is Surfshark.
With server locations in the USA, and across the globe Surfshark enables viewers in Canada to enjoy content seamlessly.
Its global footprint is impressive, boasting over 3,200 servers across 99 countries. An added advantage of using Surfshark is the ad-free browsing experience.
The platform actively wards off ads, malware, trackers, and potential cyber-attacks, ensuring a safe and smooth user experience and a no-logs policy.
The VPN further bolsters user security with its end-to-end encryption and military-grade security measures, allowing you to indulge in your favorite content without compromising your privacy.
Pricing is also a major draw. If you’re after a cost-effective VPN solution without sacrificing quality and speed, Surfshark should be at the top of your list.
Its monthly subscription is a reasonable $2.49, with a 30-day money-back guarantee if the service doesn’t meet your expectations.
Surfshark shines in multi-device connectivity, too, offering unlimited simultaneous connections.
#6
PureVPN
PureVPN shines effortlessly, overcoming the geographical limitations set by Showmax.
Due to its expansive server network, identifying the optimum ones for seamless, buffer-free streaming was a breeze during our tests.
PureVPN impresses with its utilization of the WireGuard tunneling protocol, demonstrating enviable speeds with an average preservation of 67% baseline speeds.
Although this score may be inferior to other VPNs on our list, rest assured, lag-free viewing of popular movies and TV shows will be your regular experience with PureVPN.
PureVPN proves its mettle with Smart DNS and bespoke apps for Android TVs, Fire TV, and other streaming gadgets.
The standout feature? Proxy Control and No Logs policy. This can enhance your streaming and browsing velocities by offering an unencrypted connection flow.
Cost-effectiveness is another feather in PureVPN’s cap. The asking price begins from a budget-friendly $2.08/month for ten devices.
The icing on the cake? A risk-free 31-day money-back guarantee makes this an almost irresistible deal.
Secure your PureVPN subscription today and transform your Daily Wire Plus viewing experience.
#7
PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN may have a smaller network than some of its counterparts, with around 150 servers spread across 60 countries, but it compensates with impressively high speeds.
Given its remarkable unblocking capabilities, PrivateVPN is tailor-made for users accessing region-restricted services.
You can stream securely from any location with support for up to six concurrent connections.
PrivateVPN places significant importance on user privacy and security. Its features include:
- No Logs Policy
- 256-bit encryption
- Kill switch (Windows only)
- DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection
Moreover, it offers a split-tunneling feature and a stealth mode to conceal VPN usage.
Although PrivateVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, users can pay anonymously using Bitcoin.
The service provides live chat support for 22 hours daily and remote assistance if needed.
PrivateVPN offers applications for Windows, Android, MacOS, and iOS devices.
Linux systems and internet routers can also be configured to work with this VPN service through manual setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are records of a user’s online activities that VPN companies keep. Some of these companies sell the data to third-party companies who use it to improve their products by studying user behavior and to target better people who need their products by designing their advertisements accordingly.
These companies pay millions, even billions, to get their hands on user data, and VPN providers know this. They sell the data to the highest bidder to make more money.
VPN logs can be risky to users since the main reason why they use a VPN is to surf the web anonymously. So when the VPN provider keeps user logs, it undermines the primary purpose of the VPN and renders it useless.
Conclusion
It is worth knowing that not all VPN providers keep logs. Some adhere strictly to their no-logs policy and do not keep any logs of their online activities.
However, other VPN providers keep logs even though they may tell you they have a no-logs policy.
Several involving the authorities have shown that some VPN providers keep logs as they were able to provide user data that eventually led to the user being arrested.
So the next time you sign up with a VPN provider, the most important thing to check apart from security is whether they adhere to their no logs policy or keep logs.
VPN providers such as ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN have been touted as being highly reputable and abiding by their no-logs policy not to keep any logs of their user’s online activities.
We hope this article has shed some light on what VPN logs are to you and why VPN providers like to keep them.
When your data is kept, it puts you at risk as some of these VPN companies will sell it to third-party companies and the government.
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