The VTI promotes safety and privacy online by increasing understanding of VPNs and strengthening business practices in an industry that already protects millions of Internet users. The technology we advocate is not widely understood by policymakers or the general public. A large part of what we do is to make VPNs and their use cases easily understandable. That’s why we created two shareable documents:
- VPNs and the Global Good: Explaining how VPNs are used and why this technology is important to online safety and privacy
- How to Pick a Safe and Reliable VPN: Because all VPNs are not created equally
VPNs as Essential Tools for Security, Privacy, and Digital Freedom
VPNs are more than just cybersecurity and privacy tools—they are essential for fostering free expression, safeguarding personal freedoms, and enabling secure communications, especially in challenging, dangerous, and repressive environments. While VPNs are widely used to enable secure remote access for businesses and institutions, they also empower people by helping defend against cyber threats, phishing attempts, and surveillance—especially on public WiFi. In addition to their everyday benefits, VPNs help whistleblowers communicate securely, enable free expression in repressive regimes, and safeguard users during crises. This is also why it’s the responsibility of the VPN industry to make sure these tools operate as advertised and serve as trustworthy facilitators of your online communication.
How to Pick a Safe and Reliable VPN
Once you understand the purpose and uses of VPN technology, the next step is to make sure you choose a safe and reliable VPN provider. The easiest option is to choose a VPN that displays the VPN Trust Seal, which means the provider meets industry-backed standards for transparency, privacy, and security—so you do not have to guess whether or not you’re in safe hands. We put together a five-point checklist for vetting a potential VPN provider.
At the heart of VTI’s mission is empowering everyday people to live their best and safest digital lives. The role of a reliable and trustworthy VPN is a key element of this, as threats to privacy and security come from many different directions. If you work as a VPN provider, we encourage you to join the VTI and add your voice to our advocacy.
About i2Coalition’s VPN Trust Initiative
i2Coalition’s VPN Trust Initiative (VTI) is an industry-led consortium that promotes consumer safety and privacy online by increasing understanding of VPNs and strengthening business practices in an industry that already protects millions of Internet users. The VTI leverages first-hand knowledge to advocate, create, vet, and validate guidelines that strengthen trust and transparency and mitigate risk for users.
To learn more about the VTI, please click here.
About the i2Coalition
The Internet Infrastructure Coalition (“i2Coalition”) ensures that those who build the infrastructure of the Internet have a voice in public policy. We are a leading voice for web hosting companies, data centers, domain registrars and registries, cloud infrastructure providers, managed services providers, and related tech. We protect innovation and the continued growth of the Internet’s infrastructure which is essential to the global economy. Our coalition launched at a significant time in our industry’s history. The genesis of the organization began in 2011 when many of the i2Coalition founding and charter members joined forces during the successful effort to prevent SOPA and PIPA from becoming United States law. After mobilizing to ensure the Internet’s free flow of information and commerce, we realized the on-going need for an industry voice, founding formally in 2012.
To learn more about the i2Coalition and explore membership, please visit i2Coalition.com.