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But aside from that, Surfshark had four main features that made us giddy: Of course, Surfshark hid our IP addresses and web activity, which we proved with DNS and WebRTC leak tests below.
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Okay, now let’s break down the actual VPN (which stands for virtual private network, if you didn’t already know). Since it doesn’t log any browsing data, it has nothing to share with the government in the first place, so we still trust Surfshark.
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That would be concerning, if it weren’t for Surfshark’s “zero-log” policy. Companies based in member-countries of the Nine Eyes, as well as those under the jurisdiction of the larger 14 Eyes alliance, can be compelled by the government to share customer information in certain court-approved cases (for instance, for matters of criminal investigation or national security). On the flipside, though, the Netherlands is a member of the Nine Eyes international alliance. More on that later, but for quick reference, Surfshark’s “zero-log” policy means that it doesn’t store the IP addresses and browsing data of its users. The country doesn’t oblige companies to retain data from its users, which enables Surfshark to have a “zero-log” policy. Now, Surfshark has recently moved its headquarters to the Netherlands, which is generally privacy-friendly. However, it has grown tremendously over the last four years. Surfshark is a young company, having been established in 2018. With its many VPN protocol options, we know we can use Surfshark and still do everything we normally do online, and so can you. Surfshark’s versatility allowed us to access the web while enjoying the peace of mind knowing that others can’t track us. Based in the Netherlands: The Netherlands has privacy-friendly data retention laws, but it's under Nine Eyes jurisdiction, which means the government can compel Surfshark to share customer information when necessary.This makes it easier for hackers to track us online. Static IP address: We received the same IP address every time we connected to Surfshark.Unlimited simultaneous connections: We didn’t have to worry about the number of devices we connected to Surfshark at any given time.Versatile and robust VPN connections: Surfshark offers a host of VPN protocols, from OpenVPN and WireGuard, to IKEv2 and IPSec.This instantly expanded our entertainment options. Netflix and torrenting access: We loved cozying up on the couch to stream TV and movies as the weather cooled down, and Surfshark even let us watch Netflix in other countries.
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