Latest analysis
Dated NordVPN, Proton VPN and Surfshark pricing observations, with upfront totals, renewal checks and a practical buying checklist.
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The VPN Matrix
VPN Research & Analysis
Independent, evidence-based VPN research, privacy analysis, ownership investigations, technical explainers and practical security guides.
Updated 01 Nov 2026
NordVPN vs Proton VPN vs Mullvad (2026): A Privacy Buyer Guide
Compare published audit evidence, account models, and practical features with clear scope, trade-offs, and dated sources.
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A source-dated review of Surfshark’s privacy audits, Dausos assessment, Nord Security group relationship, Netherlands base, Starter/One/One+ unlimited VPN connections, and region-dependent introductory pricing.
Latest analysis
A country-by-country assessment of the CLOUD Act, UK investigatory powers, EU e-evidence, Swedish and Swiss surveillance rules, Canadian orders, Australia and India - joined to the companies operating major VPN brands.
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A joined assessment of VPN owners, operators and legal reach: the CLOUD Act, UK investigatory powers, EU e-evidence, data control and what a no-logs design can actually prevent.
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TrustTunnel is now open source and AdGuard's Android app passed an outside assessment. Neither verifies production no-logs controls. Current price, versions, ownership evidence and matrix score.
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The UK government has ruled out banning or age-gating VPNs. Why the reversal is justified, what voluntary provider action could still mean, and why enforcement should stay focused on harmful services.
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Britain dropped the plan to make one state digital ID compulsory for work. Digital right-to-work checks remain. What changed, what did not, and which safeguards now matter.
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Amnezia's Self-Hosted, Free and Premium products have different trust models. What its audits found, what each mode collects and which claims remain unverified.
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HMA does not retain browsing history, originating IP addresses or connected DNS queries. It does retain server totals, client events and account data. What the evidence means.
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Premium
How to prepare and respond when an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, or other Android phone is stolen - including offline finding, app locks, network controls, and the limits of a VPN.
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Substack
Noise is not the guarantee. The guarantee comes from the mechanism, its privacy budget, and the evidence needed to show the deployment really protects people.
Latest analysis
WireGuard is fast and easy to block. AmneziaWG is the self-hosted fork built to survive the deep packet inspection that Russia and China run at national scale. How it changes the shape of your traffic, whether it is safe, and when a managed VPN is the better call.