submitted 2 weeks ago by batopera@lemmy.dbzer0.com to c/piracy@lemmy.dbzer0.com

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I know free vpns usually are not good, but right now I am not in a position to pay for a vpn. I found Privado VPN and it doesn't keep logs and is based in Switzerland. It has a data limit for free users, but do you think its safe for torrenting?

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[-] Sunny 12 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Hi there, as someone who is writing his master thesis on the privacy of fee vpns. I cannot recommend a single one. By that I mean the ones that advertise themselves as being a mainly free vpn. I have not had a look at privado in specific, but would highly recommend sticking to Proton. Their vpn is also fairly priced if you ask me.

Addtionally, if you want to quickly check out an app to see if they use excessive amounts of permissions(based on manifest file), and the implemented trackers they have you can use Exodus Privacy Tool; https://reports.exodus-privacy.eu.org/en/reports/io.privado.android/latest/

[-] sleepybisexual@beehaw.org 5 points 2 weeks ago

To be fair, proton has an OK free tier.

Tho, you might know more about the topic, you know anything about riseup VPN and/or calyx VPN?

[-] Sunny 2 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Have sadly not checked these out in detail, however they do seem more promosing that the general free vpn one find by looking up "free vpn" on Google Play Store. Neither of them use excessive amounts of permissions, and the permssions they do ask for seem to fair to ask for. Neither of them have trackers implemented too which is nice. I would trust these more than other 'completelty free VPNs' atleast. However I'm only judging of first impressions and a quick look at their permissions. I'm assuming they lack features, speed etc..

If you want trust and transparency then options like Mullvad, Proton and IVPN would be my suggestions.