What is a No-Logs VPN Policy?
Learn what a no-logs policy means, why it matters for your privacy, and how to verify if a VPN truly keeps no logs.
A no-logs policy (also called a zero-logs policy) means that a VPN provider does not collect, record, or store any information about your online activities while connected to their service.
When a VPN truly keeps no logs, there's no record of:
- What websites you visit
- What files you download
- Your real IP address or VPN IP address
- Connection timestamps or duration
- DNS queries you make
- Bandwidth usage
If there are no logs, there's nothing for the VPN company to hand over to authorities, hackers who breach them, or anyone else requesting your data.
Usage Logs (Bad for Privacy)
Also called activity logs, these record what you do online: websites visited, files downloaded, services accessed, DNS queries, and connection timestamps. These are the logs you want to avoid.
Connection Logs (Minimal Impact)
Some VPNs keep minimal connection metadata like: approximate connection time, total bandwidth used, or server load information. These logs typically don't reveal what you did online, just that you connected. Many "no-logs" VPNs still keep these minimal logs.
Protection from Legal Requests
If authorities request user data from a VPN provider, a true no-logs VPN has nothing to provide. They can't hand over logs that don't exist.
Safety from Data Breaches
Even if the VPN company is hacked, your browsing history can't be leaked if it was never recorded in the first place.
True Anonymity
A no-logs policy ensures your online activities remain private and can't be tied back to you, even by the VPN provider themselves.
VPN providers can claim anything in their marketing. Here's how to verify a no-logs policy is legitimate:
1. Independent Audits
Look for VPNs that have undergone independent security audits by reputable firms (like PwC, Deloitte, or Cure53). These audits verify that the VPN's infrastructure and code match their no-logs claims.
2. Court Cases and Warrants
Real-world tests: Some VPNs have been subpoenaed by authorities and proven they had no logs to provide. Look for providers with a track record of protecting user privacy under legal pressure.
3. Jurisdiction
VPNs based in privacy-friendly countries (like Switzerland, Panama, or British Virgin Islands) outside of surveillance alliances (5/9/14 Eyes) are less likely to be forced to log data.
4. Transparency Reports
Some VPNs publish regular transparency reports showing how many data requests they've received and confirming they had no data to provide.
5. RAM-only Servers
VPNs using RAM-only servers can't store logs long-term since all data is wiped when servers reboot or lose power.
Be wary of VPNs that:
- Use vague language like "we minimize logging" instead of clearly stating "we keep no logs"
- Admit to logging timestamps, IP addresses, or browsing activity
- Are based in countries with mandatory data retention laws
- Have been caught lying about their no-logs policy in the past
- Don't publish their privacy policy or make it hard to find
- Are owned by companies with poor privacy track records
Several VPN providers have proven their no-logs policies through independent audits and real-world tests:
- NordVPN: Audited by PwC, confirmed no user activity logs
- Surfshark: Independently audited, based in privacy-friendly Netherlands
- Proton VPN: Swiss-based with strong legal protections, open-source code, independently audited
Note: Always read the current privacy policy as practices can change over time.
Find a Verified No-Logs VPN
We only recommend VPNs with proven no-logs policies, independent audits, and strong privacy track records.
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