Even though it can feel like only you have access to your online data, that’s not always the case. Apologies for the wake-up call – but life is getting less and less private. Without some form of VPN protection, your online activities are wide open for intruders to see. That doesn’t just go for hackers, but international intelligence, too. 

Even if your internet activity is entirely innocent, it still doesn’t sit well to know that your data’s out there. As a result of agreements made between governments and internet service providers, your private data may be at risk. However, don’t worry, as there are ways you can combat this intrusion. 

Index
1-How to Protect Your Information from Governments 
2-What do 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, and 14 Eyes Mean? 
3-Internet Surveillance by 5 Eyes Countries 
4-Which VPNs Don’t Share Information with the Intelligence Services? 
5-Is HelloVPN Part of 5 Eyes? 

How to Protect Your Information from Governments 

There are many ways to protect data from prying eyes. As always, it makes sense to use secure passwords and biometrics wherever possible. What’s more, be careful to learn about the law of your given country and what your government may have access to. 

Above all, however, VPN connectivity and message encryption are vital. Some services such as WhatsApp have led through end to end encryption on messaging for years. However, the only true way you can ensure only you and your recipients get to see your messages is to use a VPN. 

With a VPN that falls outside of 5 eyes, 9 eyes, and 14 eyes restrictions, you can be sure your private data stays private. HelloVPN, in fact, offers safe, secure, intrusion-free browsing – with none of these ‘eyes’ watching! But what do all these eyes have to do with anything, anyway? 

What do 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, and 14 Eyes Mean? 

These groups of ‘eyes’ make up different surveillance agreements. Essentially, each ‘eye’ in a group has agreed to share your internet data with each other. This means that all the countries in the agreement have an obligation to share all the data gathered through internet use, without exception.  

For example, 5 eyes countries include the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Nine eyes extend this to include France, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands. Fourteen eyes, of course, goes even further – bringing in Belgium, Germany, Spain, Sweden and Italy. 

Crucially, the more eyes that are in play, the more your data is at risk. That said, the aim is to use a VPN that isn’t in agreement with any eyes! HelloVPN is based in Estonia and hence outside of 5, 9 and 14 eyes agreements – your data and browsing history are completely safe.  

Internet Surveillance by 5 Eyes Countries 

Internet surveillance undertaken by 5 eyes countries is broad and all-encompassing. With UK laws, for example, the five eyes agreement lines up with the Investigatory Powers Act. 

This legislation enables ISPs to hold all your browsing and internet usage data for up to two years. Even your SMS communications are at risk. 

Much of the five eyes agreement surrounds security and defence intelligence. However, innocent people stand to lose privacy when at the total mercy of this agreement. Surely it’s worth using the internet completely privately instead? 

Which VPNs Don’t Share Information with the Intelligence Services? 

HelloVPN never shares your data with intelligence – pure and simple! 

Otherwise, it’s not easy to say which VPNs do and don’t share information. Some are bound to five eyes, others to nine and fourteen. Some, meanwhile, even record usage logs and share them with the authorities if they need to. 

Therefore, it is always worth looking at the terms and conditions of any given VPN before you sign up and download. However, it is safer to sign up with a transparently honest VPN / provider. 

Is HelloVPN Part of 5 Eyes? 

No – HelloVPN is not part of the five eyes pact. We’re based in Estonia – and outside of any such agreements. That means you can freely switch on our servers and browse the web without fear of snooping. Your messages are protected, too. Don’t worry! 

Why not take a closer look at HelloVPN’s leading features now? There’s never any reason to let your data be prey for surveillance vultures!