How Private Is Private Internet Access?

Private Internet Access (PIA) is very private, backed by a strict, independently audited no-logs policy and several security features designed to protect user anonymity. However, no VPN offers complete online anonymity, and PIA's privacy depends on both its technology and its U.S. jurisdiction.

Core privacy and security features

PIA utilizes several features to protect your internet traffic and identity from prying eyes.

• Independently audited no-logs policy: PIA's strict policy against logging user activity has been independently audited by a "Big Four" firm (Deloitte), confirming its adherence to its privacy claims. Critically, this policy has been proven true in multiple court cases where authorities requested user data, and PIA had nothing to hand over.
• RAM-only servers: All of PIA's servers run on volatile memory (RAM) instead of hard drives. This means that all user data is automatically erased with every reboot, ensuring no information can be physically recovered from the servers.
• Strong encryption: PIA uses industry-standard encryption protocols, including OpenVPN and WireGuard. For OpenVPN, users can choose between the default AES-128 or a stronger AES-256 cipher. This encrypts your data, making it unreadable to third parties like your ISP, network administrators, or hackers.
• Open-source applications: All of PIA's desktop and mobile applications are open-source, allowing anyone to inspect the source code for vulnerabilities or hidden functionality.
• Integrated kill switch: This feature automatically blocks your internet connection if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops, preventing your real IP address and browsing activity from being exposed.
• Multi-hop and obfuscation: For advanced users, PIA offers a multi-hop feature that routes your traffic through both a VPN server and a proxy. This further disguises your VPN usage, helping to bypass VPN blocks and adding another layer of anonymity.
• DNS and WebRTC leak protection: Independent leak tests confirm that PIA's infrastructure effectively prevents IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, which would otherwise risk revealing your real IP address.

Potential privacy drawbacks and considerations

While PIA provides robust protection, you should be aware of a few factors that can affect your overall privacy.

• U.S. jurisdiction: PIA is headquartered in the United States, a member of the "Five Eyes" intelligence-sharing alliance. This means PIA is subject to U.S. laws and could be compelled by a court to produce user data. However, the company's court-proven no-logs policy and RAM-only servers are designed to mitigate this by ensuring no identifiable user data exists to be handed over.
• Kape Technologies ownership: PIA was acquired by Kape Technologies in 2019, a company known for a history of distributing malware in a previous incarnation. While Kape has since changed its business model and owns other reputable VPNs like CyberGhost, this history has led some privacy-conscious users to remain wary.
• Limited privacy beyond the VPN tunnel: A VPN only encrypts your internet traffic in transit. Once your data is outside the secure VPN tunnel—for example, if you make a purchase on a merchant's website—it is no longer protected by the VPN. In these instances, you still need to rely on the website's security, such as SSL encryption (indicated by "https://"), to keep your information safe.
• Identity disclosure for payments: While PIA supports anonymous payments with cryptocurrency, paying with a credit card requires providing personally identifiable information. This links your identity to your account, though your internet usage logs remain private due to the no-logs policy.

How to maximize your privacy with PIA

To ensure you are as private as possible while using Private Internet Access, consider these best practices:

• Enable the kill switch at all times to prevent accidental data leaks.
• Use the multi-hop feature for extra anonymity when your activities require maximum privacy.
• Use the highest available encryption (AES-256) for OpenVPN, although the default settings are also very secure.
• Use an anonymous payment method, such as cryptocurrency, if you want to eliminate any link between your identity and your account.
• Use the included MACE feature, which blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites, to prevent further tracking.
• Be mindful of your browsing habits, such as logging into accounts and accepting cookies, as this can still compromise your privacy regardless of your VPN.