TITLE: The Hidden Costs of Free VPNs in the UK Revealed
Millions Still Opt for Free VPNs Despite Security Risks
A recent survey conducted by NordVPN reveals that millions of British internet users continue to choose free VPN services over paid alternatives. The August survey found that a concerning 12% of UK VPN users rely on free services, potentially underestimating the significant risks involved. This follows similar findings from TechRadar‘s May survey, which indicated that nearly one in four readers still depend on free VPN protection.
The Awareness Gap in VPN Security
While UK users demonstrate growing awareness of online security—even surpassing levels seen in the US, Canada, and Australia—a consistent portion of the population continues to select free VPN options. This suggests that basic knowledge alone isn’t sufficient to deter people from using potentially risky services.
Marijus Briedis, CTO of NordVPN, explains this phenomenon: “People understand security intuitively. However, online threats often feel abstract until one becomes a victim.” He believes economic factors play a significant role in this decision-making process, with inexperienced users seeking quick solutions to immediate privacy concerns without fully considering the long-term implications.
The Real Dangers of Free VPN Services
What exactly are the risks associated with free VPNs? Beyond the obvious limitations in performance and functionality, many free services engage in practices that directly compromise user privacy and security:
- Data logging and collection of browsing history and online activities
- Bandwidth reselling to third parties
- Tracking code insertion that monitors user behavior
- Weak encryption protocols that leave users vulnerable on public networks
Briedis emphasizes that many users mistakenly believe free VPNs offer the same core protection as premium services, just with additional advertisements. “The reality is that they often provide inadequate security while actively compromising privacy,” he notes.
Global Security Concerns and Hidden Ownership
Recent investigations have uncovered that numerous free VPNs available in official app stores have undisclosed connections to countries with questionable data-collection practices, including Russia and China. These state-affiliated services pose additional security risks that many users remain unaware of.
The problem is compounded by app store rating systems that prioritize speed and ease of use over privacy practices, often misleading users into believing that highly-rated free VPNs have proven their trustworthiness. “Privacy violations are often invisible to users, as they do not see their data being collected or sold,” Briedis explains.
When Free VPNs Might Be Acceptable
Not all free VPN services should be automatically dismissed. Some reputable providers offer free versions for ideological reasons or as part of a larger business model. ProtonVPN, for example, maintains a free tier while upholding strong privacy standards. However, these remain the exception rather than the rule.
For users considering free services, it’s crucial to understand that operating a reliable VPN requires significant infrastructure investment, bandwidth costs, and ongoing security maintenance. When you encounter “free and unlimited” claims in app stores, remember that revenue must come from somewhere—typically through data monetization, bandwidth reselling, or aggressive upselling tactics.
Making an Informed VPN Choice
Briedis recommends users ask critical questions before selecting any VPN service:
- Who owns this service and what is their track record?
- How are the servers and infrastructure funded?
- Are their no-logging claims verified by independent auditors?
If these questions cannot be answered satisfactorily, users should assume their personal data will become the price they pay for “free” service. As recent analysis from our security monitoring team has demonstrated, what appears to be free can ultimately become the most expensive privacy decision users never realized they were making.
This article expands on original research published by our security monitoring division regarding free VPN risks and user behavior patterns in the UK market.
