When choosing a VPN, one of the most important factors is where the VPN provider is based. The location matters because of global surveillance alliances like the 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, and 14 Eyes. If your VPN is registered in a country that is part of these alliances, your online privacy may be at risk due to intelligence-sharing agreements.
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That’s why many privacy-conscious users prefer VPN services based in countries outside the 5 Eyes alliance. Let’s break this down step by step.
What is the 5 Eyes Alliance?
The 5 Eyes (FVEY) is an intelligence-sharing agreement between:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
These countries share surveillance data with each other, and laws often require companies to comply with government requests for user information. For VPN users, this means your activity could be tracked if the provider stores logs.
Why Choose a VPN Outside 5 Eyes?
VPNs based in countries outside these surveillance alliances offer stronger privacy because:
- They are not legally obligated to share user data with 5 Eyes nations.
- Many have no mandatory data retention laws.
- Some countries have pro-privacy regulations protecting users.
In simple terms, the VPN’s jurisdiction can make a huge difference in how secure your data really is.
Best VPN Jurisdictions Outside 5 Eyes
Here are some of the most trusted countries for VPN providers outside the 5 Eyes:
1. Panama
- Known for its strong privacy laws and no data retention requirements.
- Home to popular VPNs like NordVPN.
- Ideal for users who want complete online anonymity.
2. Switzerland
- Famous for its strict data protection laws.
- Not part of any surveillance alliance (5, 9, or 14 Eyes).
- Perfect for users who prioritize legal privacy safeguards.
3. British Virgin Islands (BVI)
- A self-governing territory with no data retention laws.
- Popular VPNs like ExpressVPN are based here.
- Safe haven for companies that protect online privacy.
4. Seychelles
- Offers complete freedom from foreign surveillance alliances.
- No obligations for VPN providers to log user data.
- Attractive for offshore businesses and VPN providers.
5. Cayman Islands
- Privacy-friendly jurisdiction.
- Strong protection against foreign data requests.
- Favored by companies that focus on financial and data security.
6. Iceland
- Strong freedom of expression and pro-privacy environment.
- Not part of the 5, 9, or 14 Eyes alliances.
- Growing destination for VPN companies.
VPNs Based Outside 5 Eyes
Here are a few trusted VPNs headquartered outside surveillance-heavy regions:
- NordVPN (Panama) – No-logs, advanced security features.
- ExpressVPN (British Virgin Islands) – Fast speeds, strict privacy policy.
- ProtonVPN (Switzerland) – Backed by strong Swiss privacy laws.
- Surfshark (Netherlands, but strict no-logs) – Note: Netherlands is in 9 Eyes, but has strong no-logs policies.
Final Thoughts
If you truly care about your online privacy, choosing a VPN provider based outside the 5 Eyes alliance is a smart move. Countries like Panama, Switzerland, BVI, and Seychelles offer safer jurisdictions with no mandatory data retention laws.