The VPN Trust Initiative ("VTI")
The VPN Trust Seal: What it Means & How to Use It
The VPN Trust Seal is the public-facing mark of the VPN Trust Initiative (VTI), a program developed by the i2Coalition to promote transparency, accountability, and best practices in the VPN industry. When displayed by a VPN provider, the Seal signifies that the company adheres to the VTI Principles in five key areas: security, privacy, advertising practices, disclosure and transparency, and social responsibility.
This page explains how to obtain, display, and maintain the VPN Trust Seal—and what happens if standards are not met.
How to Earn the VPN Trust Seal
To display the VPN Trust Seal, a VPN provider must:
Be a participating member of the VTI.
Complete a formal accreditation review, which includes an assessment based on adherence to the five VTI Principle areas.
Pass a compliance test administered by i2Coalition. Upon successful completion, members will receive the official Trust Seal asset for use across their platforms.
To inquire about participating or begin the accreditation process, contact Hilary Osborne at [email protected].
How to Display the VPN Trust Seal
Once accredited:
Use the original seal graphic exactly as provided. Do not modify the color, shape, size ratio, or design.
Post it prominently on your website, preferably on your homepage, in your Trust Center, and on policy pages that discuss your commitment to security or privacy.
Incorporate it in promotional materials like blog posts, infographics, and press releases, especially when referencing ethical VPN practices or your involvement with the VTI.
Tag it consistently in social media campaigns and product announcements where appropriate.
The seal must be accompanied by valid, active accreditation. Unauthorized or expired use of the seal will be flagged as a violation.
The VPN Trust Seal accreditation program provides a clear public indicator that a participating VPN provider follows established best practices for delivering service in these five areas. For more detailed information on each of these principles and how to get the VPN Trust Seal, please contact Hilary Osborne at [email protected].
Accreditation Enforcement: Maintaining Integrity
To protect the credibility of the VPN Trust Seal, we follow a structured accountability process. If a claim is made suggesting that a member is violating one or more VTI Principles:
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The company’s designated Accountability Person will be contacted within a set timeframe to respond to the complaint.
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The member has 45 days to submit a written response.
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A review committee may be formed to investigate the claim. The company will have an opportunity to present its case.
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The issue will be discussed during a VTI board meeting. If a motion for de-accreditation is made, it must pass by rough consensus.
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If accreditation is revoked:
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The company will be notified in writing within 3 business days.
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They must remove the Trust Seal from all public-facing materials within 30 days of notification.
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The VTI will retain documentation of the complaint, investigation, and decision for transparency and auditing.
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This process ensures that only VPN providers who uphold the VTI Principles in both letter and spirit may carry the seal.
Help Us Strengthen the Seal
To protect the seal’s legitimacy as we expand the program, VTI members are asked to:
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Ensure proper and consistent use of the seal across company materials.
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Refrain from editing the seal’s design or misrepresenting its meaning.
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Assist with trademark protections by demonstrating active use.
This will allow i2Coalition to secure stronger protections for the Trust Seal and reinforce its standing as a respected mark of ethical VPN service.
Upcoming Enhancements
We are actively developing a live certificate system that will allow users to verify the accreditation status of any VPN provider in real-time. This dynamic trust signal will further distinguish accredited VPNs from non-compliant or unvetted competitors.