Commercial VPNs: Real Protection or Just a Marketing Gimmick?

In recent years, sponsored ads for VPN services have been everywhere. Influencers promote them with claims of „100% privacy,“ „bulletproof encryption,“ and „complete anonymity.“ But the reality is far more complex. Not every VPN service is as secure as its marketing suggests—in many cases, it could actually expose your data to even greater risks.

How Do Commercial VPNs Actually Work?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a remote server. This makes it appear as if you’re browsing from a different location, which can help bypass geo-restrictions or hide your IP address. Sounds great, right? Well, here’s the catch:

Your VPN provider still sees your traffic – Instead of trusting your internet service provider (ISP), you are now trusting the VPN company. If that company is irresponsible, you might be worse off than before.
„No-log“ policies are often misleading – Many services claim they don’t keep logs, but history has shown that some VPN companies have secretly stored user data and handed it over to authorities or sold it to third parties.
The company’s jurisdiction matters – If a VPN is based in the US, UK, or another country with strict surveillance laws, it may be legally required to store and provide user data to law enforcement.
Affiliate marketing distorts reality – Many influencers recommending „the best VPN“ earn commissions for every sale. This means truly objective reviews are rare.

When Does a VPN Make Sense (and When Doesn’t It)?

A VPN is useful when:
✅ You need to access geo-restricted content (Netflix, YouTube, etc.).
✅ You want extra security on public Wi-Fi.
✅ You work with sensitive data and require encryption.

A VPN is NOT useful (and could even be harmful) when:
❌ You assume it makes you completely anonymous—VPNs don’t offer full invisibility.
❌ You blindly trust the provider—your data could still be logged or sold.
❌ You think it „encrypts the entire internet“—misconfigurations or DNS leaks can still expose you.

Better Alternatives to VPNs for Privacy & Security

Instead of blindly relying on a VPN, consider these safer options:

✔ Use mobile data instead – In most EU countries, mobile data is free in roaming. In some cases, it’s safer to use your mobile network than public Wi-Fi with a VPN.
✔ eSIM with local data (e.g., Airalo) – When traveling outside the EU, a virtual SIM card provides secure internet access without needing a VPN.
✔ Encrypted communication – Instead of a VPN for privacy, use end-to-end encrypted services like Signal for messaging or Tor for truly anonymous browsing.
✔ Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – A basic but effective security measure that protects your accounts even without a VPN.

Conclusion: Commercial VPNs Are Not a Magic Shield

VPNs can be useful when used correctly, but they are not a one-size-fits-all solution for online privacy and security—despite what advertisements claim. Instead of trusting marketing hype, it’s crucial to understand how VPNs actually work and make informed decisions based on facts.

Still unsure if your chosen VPN is truly safe? Look for open audits and independent reviews rather than relying on sponsored influencer videos.