In today’s world, online anonymity is a scarce commodity. With so many online threats, one must do all they can to boost online privacy. Unfortunately, websites use this situation for their benefit. Using the “marketing catalyst” known as “no logs” suggests that these websites don’t store any of your data on their server, making your presence on their site completely anonymous! A no-logs policy is essential for internet privacy and a priority on our OpSec list.
However, a series of recent unfortunate events has exposed several websites for lying about their “No Logs” claim, leading us to ask, should we trust other websites with “No Log” claims? Find out as we discuss this below.
Understanding “No Logs” Websites
As the concern for online privacy grows, so has the rise of “No Log” websites. Almost every websites like VPNs claims not to collect, store, or record your online activity. Some admit to storing Data for brief periods but promise to delete it after a certain period of time. Their main selling point is that they can virtually provide you with a clean slate regarding monitoring or tracking. An essential promise that there will be no oversight of your online activity.
This means that your IP address, history, downloads, and anything else you do on the web are untrackable. You can understand why this would be appealing to people. Particularly those using Darknet Markets or who find OpSec as essential. People are aware of their digital footprint and trying to lessen it.
It’s like digital global warming. So, to avoid having a high digital footprint, users flock to websites that boast “No Logs”. Now, instead of websites only using good SEO techniques and other marketing strategies, they add “No Logs” to draw in traffic.
Why Logs Are Usually A Necessity
While all this sounds great, a zero-log policy is difficult to promise. Logs play a vital role in website performance and security. So, certain websites shoot themselves in the foot by not keeping logs. Here’s why: Logs refer to the records created and stored by websites.
They are used for troubleshooting technical issues with a website, improving the user experience, and often in accordance with the laws given by the government. These are all aspects that add to the efficiency of a website, along with others.
Logs are also crucial for tracking online security threats and tracking user behavior to give them a more customized experience. With logs, websites can do this, as well as others. That said, logs can also be misused or kept for long periods, increasing the risk of them being hacked, leaked, or exploited by a third party or the website organization itself.
As an example, In 2020, Facebook was accused of failing to protect user data when 87 Million user profiles had their data accessed by multiple third-party apps. They called this the Cambridge Analytical Data Scandal. Facebook was fined €500,000 for this. While Facebook does not claim to be a “No-Logs” website, this is an excellent example of how logs can be exploited.
Types of Logs
There are two common types of logs. Connection logs and Usage Logs. Both types of logs can be used interchangeably by VPNs and other websites. Let’s take a look at them individually:
Connection Logs
These would generally be limited and anonymous for VPNs that don’t keep your logs. Without using your data, when you log onto the network, your device will be tracked to show the VPN provider the workload each server has to deal with. VPNs that limit the number of connections per user need connection logs to enforce this limit. Here’s what connect logs include:
- Your connection time
- Your IP address on the connection
- The server you’re connected to
- Any data you agree to give the VPN access to
- Data stored required by local laws
Usage Logs
Usage logs are the logs websites refer to when they say “No Logs”. These logs are known as traffic logs, and as their name would suggest, they track your online traffic attached to your IP address. This includes:
- A list of every website you visit
- Any information you receive in the form of messages, etc
- A list of the apps and services you use attached to your devices
- The location is connected to your IP address.
- Passwords and personal information
These logs are the ones you need to be concerned about. They give websites the necessary information to optimize their sites and marketing strategy for customers like you but also have the increased risk of your data being leaked.
The Promise of Anonymity
The promise of complete online anonymity is enticing for most people, but it often falls short of all it boasts. This is because complete online anonymity is virtually impossible. There is always a degree to which your activity can be tracked. Because certain websites like VPNs need to keep certain logs like connection logs, there’s always a trace of your IP address connecting to their server; even if it’s masked at first, it can be reverse-engineered and unmasked. This makes the promise of anonymity completely void. But there are a few steps you can take to be as anonymous as possible. Check out our OpSec Guide!
Legal and Jurisdictional Issues
Websites worldwide are subject to jurisdictional laws which they need to abide by. Often, this could require them to keep a level of user data accessible by the government. You’ll often find these specifications in the fine print on a website about us page. What’s great about this is that legal requirements are also put in place to catch sites that claim to keep no logs and then actually do.
Express VPN has been investigated regarding their “No Log” claim. They succeeded in proving that they don’t keep logs. The accusations were that they deleted incriminating evidence related to several assassinations in Russia. Unfortunately, other VPNs, as well as Express VPN, were put under the spotlight that didn’t fair.
VPNs that Lied
UFO VPN, a well-known VPN provider from Hong Kong, was found to keep personal information about their clients, including connection and usage logs. Found by Comparitech, UFO VPN’s reputation was somewhat degraded, along with six other VPNs with similar infrastructure.
Pure VPN is another VPN that claimed it kept no logs but was found to track and keep both connection and usage logs. When put under the spotlight, the FBI managed to track trends of specific email addresses linked to PureVPN. They concluded that if they had no logs, that information wouldn’t have been available.
Trustworthy Alternatives
So, with so many untrustworthy websites that claim not to store your data, who do you trust? Don’t fret; there are still a few VPNs and websites that you can trust because they practice what they preach. Here are a few alternatives for you to choose:
Express VPN
We’ve already mentioned that Express VPN was put under investigation, and evidence showed that they don’t keep user logs. This makes them a “reliable” choice. Here are some of their features:
- High-speed servers in 90+ countries
- Strong encryption and no-logs policy
- DNS leak protection and kill switch
- Split tunnelling for selective routing
- TrustedServer technology for data security
- Broad device compatibility
- Simultaneous connections
- 24/7 customer support
- MediaStreamer for content unblocking
- Access to geo-restricted content
- User-friendly apps
- 30-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is another top-rated VPN service that doesn’t keep logs. It’s easy to use and designed with your privacy in mind. Here are some features of CyberGhost:
- Extensive server network in 90+ countries
- Strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy
- DNS leak protection and automatic kill switch
- Split tunnelling and dedicated streaming profiles
- Wi-Fi protection and ad-blocking
- User-friendly apps for various platforms
- Simultaneous connections on multiple devices
- 24/7 customer support
- SpecializedSpecialized servers for torrenting and streaming
- 45-day money-back guarantee
IPVanish
Making it onto the list as well is IPVanish. Simple and easy to use, IPVanish has a good reputation in privacy. Here are some of their features:
- Extensive server network in various locations
- Robust encryption and strict no-logs policy
- DNS leak protection and kill switch
- User-friendly apps for diverse platforms
- Unmetered simultaneous connections
- 24/7 customer support
- SOCKS5 proxy for added flexibility
- Support for torrenting and P2P activities
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Tips for Choosing a VPN
When selecting the right VPN, consider these key factors to simplify your decision-making process. First and foremost, prioritize VPNs with strict no-logs policies and robust encryption to safeguard your data and privacy. Do your research on the VPN service provider as well; if there’s anything to be concerned about, it’s bound to come up.
A widespread server network ensures you have ample options for reliable connections, while high-speed performance is essential for smooth streaming and gaming experiences. Check that the VPN is compatible with your devices and offers a user-friendly interface for hassle-free usage.
Additionally, responsive 24/7 customer support can be a lifesaver if you encounter any issues. Don’t forget to look for extra security features like kill switches and DNS leak protection to bolster your online safety. Consider the cost, payment options, and any money-back guarantees or discounts.
If you engage in torrenting or streaming, ensure the VPN supports these activities. To gauge trustworthiness, examine the VPN’s reputation, look for third-party audits, and check for transparency reports.
Lastly, take note of the VPN’s legal jurisdiction and consult user reviews and recommendations to get insights into real-world performance and user experiences. Considering these considerations, you can confidently select a VPN that aligns with your online privacy and security goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
“No Logs” websites can appeal to individuals who prioritize online privacy and want to reduce the chances of their online activities being tracked or monitored by third parties.
The legality of “No Logs” websites depends on their operations and the jurisdiction they are subject to. They are usually legal as long as they comply with local laws and regulations.
“No Logs” websites are not technically immune to legal requests. Depending on their jurisdiction and legal obligations, they may be compelled to share user data with law enforcement or other authorities. That being said, if there are no logs to hand over, then it’s immune.
Are “No Logs” websites legal?
Hey there, I’m a dark web geek who’s been around for the last 8 years. More precisely, I’m livedarknet’s senior content writer who’s been writing about darknet marketplaces, tutorials, and cybersecurity stuff for educational purposes.