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SurfShark, why is it a bad VPN? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 5 months ago by AnAnonymousApe@lemmy.ml to c/privacy@lemmy.world

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I hope this question is OK to ask?

I've seen SurfShark get a lot of hate from privacy communities both on here an Reddit, and I'm wondering what makes it so bad in people's eyes. I'm asking as I currnet user of the service who is weighing up his options as my sub will be up soon.

Thanks.

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[–] Ulrich@feddit.org 14 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago) (1 children)

I can't speak to SurfShark specifically but you can read more about what makes a "good" private VPN here:

https://www.privacyguides.org/en/vpn/#criteria

[–] irmadlad@lemmy.world 1 points 5 months ago (1 children)

I always wonder why PIA never makes it on those lists? Privacy Guides is a great resource btw, I'm not throwing shade. Feature for feature tho, PIA is a top contender, it would seem to me. Battle tested, audited, and proven in court. So, like OP, I get to wondering, do they know something I do not? I've been using them for numerous years without any issue.

I do not receive any kind or manner of compensation or quid pro quo for mentioning PIA. I don't even get a little ass play which i think is a gyp.

[–] Ulrich@feddit.org 4 points 5 months ago (1 children)

PIA was acquired by a very sketchy company called Kape technologies. You should avoid them.

[–] irmadlad@lemmy.world 1 points 5 months ago

Opensource, publically available source code: https://github.com/pia-foss
Audited as recently as 2024 and also in 2022 by Deloitte. Audits publically available.
Proven no logs in multiple courtcases even after a Russia seized some of their servers.

I understand when you use a VPN, you have to trust the VPN provider(s). Besides the Kape boogeyman, I can find no real substantiated incidents that would cause me to pause. Of course, things could change anytime, which is why you personally audit the software you use.