ProtonVPN AG Privacy Policy and Terms

Privacy Score

82 /100

Security Rating

Proton VPN excels in data privacy and security with its no-logs policy and strong encryption, but the terms of service include some restrictive legal clauses that may concern users.

protonvpn.com Last analyzed: February 03, 2025

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Telecommunications Software Development Cloud Computing Security Tools

Privacy Score

82 /100

Security Rating

Detailed Analysis

Data Practices & Privacy Protection

Max 35 points

32 /35

Strengths

Proton VPN is a no-logs VPN service, meaning they do not log users' traffic or the content of any communications.
All Proton VPN servers are encrypted, and they do not log VPN session data.
Data is stored in encrypted format on servers located in Switzerland and Germany, under strong privacy laws.
Proton physically owns and operates all Secure Core servers, ensuring full control over data security.

Areas for Improvement

While Proton VPN does not log traffic, the privacy policy could be more explicit about the types of metadata collected.
The policy does not provide specific retention periods for account data, which could be a concern for some users.

Unusual Elements

Proton VPN reserves the right to impose speed restrictions on free accounts in cases of excessive consumption.

User Rights & Control

Max 25 points

23 /25

Strengths

Users can export their data in a machine-readable format, supporting data portability.
Proton VPN provides a detailed process for account deletion and data removal.
Users have clear rights to manage their accounts, including deletion and correction of personal data.

Areas for Improvement

The terms of service include a mandatory arbitration clause, which may limit users' ability to seek legal remedies in court.
The class action waiver in the terms of service could be seen as restrictive to users' rights.

Unusual Elements

Proton VPN allows users to opt-out of arbitration within 30 days of agreeing to the terms.

Legal Fairness & User Protection

Max 20 points

18 /20

Strengths

The terms of service include a service level agreement (SLA) with uptime guarantees and service credits for downtime.
Proton VPN provides a transparency report detailing law enforcement data requests.
The company is based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws, and this is highlighted as a protective measure.

Areas for Improvement

The liability limitations in the terms of service are extensive, potentially leaving users with limited recourse in case of disputes.
The terms of service include broad indemnification clauses that may place undue burden on users.

Unusual Elements

Proton VPN explicitly states that it does not provide any warranty about the reliability of the services or the security of user data.

Clarity & Comprehension

Max 20 points

19 /20

Strengths

The language used is generally clear, though some legal terms may require additional explanation for non-experts.
Proton VPN provides detailed explanations of its no-logs policy and security measures.
The privacy policy and terms of service are well-structured and organized into clear sections.

Areas for Improvement

Some sections of the terms of service, particularly the arbitration and class action waiver, are complex and may be difficult for non-legal experts to understand.
The privacy policy could benefit from more explicit statements about data collection and usage practices.

Unusual Elements

Proton VPN includes a warrant canary in its transparency report, which is an unusual but positive practice.

Critical Issues & Comparisons

Critical Issues

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ProtonVPN AG Privacy Policy and Terms

Detailed Analysis

Data Practices & Privacy Protection

Strengths

Areas for Improvement

Unusual Elements

User Rights & Control

Strengths

Areas for Improvement

Unusual Elements

Legal Fairness & User Protection

Strengths

Areas for Improvement

Unusual Elements

Clarity & Comprehension

Strengths

Areas for Improvement

Unusual Elements

Critical Issues & Comparisons

Critical Issues

Industry Comparisons

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Apple

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