Zack WhittakerSep 30, 2024

You're probably thinking, "not another VPN guide!" But this one is different!

Introducing TechCrunch's skeptics' guide to VPNs. You probably don't need a VPN, and we'll tell you why. VPN providers are bad for privacy, and you should doubt their claims.

If you do need a VPN, the best one is an encrypted VPN you've set up and control yourself. We'll show you how to get started. And if you don't need one, we'll show you what can meaningfully improve your privacy online.

https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/think-you-need-a-vpn-guide-start-here/

Think you need a VPN? Start here. | TechCrunch

Not everyone actually needs to use a VPN. This simple guide will help you decide if you need a VPN for your situation.

TechCrunch
JoshSep 30, 2024
Show threadZack Whittaker

VPNs are a booming business, advertising everywhere, claiming that they can protect your privacy and security online. Don't believe their claims. VPNs are bad for privacy.

In this explainer, we dive into why we're skeptical of VPN providers and their claims, and why you should be as well.

https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/we-are-skeptical-of-vpn-providers-and-you-should-be-too/

We are skeptical of VPN providers, and you should be, too | TechCrunch

Many free VPNs promise to protect your privacy. Don't believe it.

TechCrunch
Sep 30, 2024 at 4:32pmWeb
Show threadZack WhittakerSep 30, 2024

It's true that VPNs can still be helpful in a handful of situations, like avoiding content streaming geoblocks, and remotely accessing another computer located elsewhere.

Even then, the best VPN is one that you've set up and control yourself. TechCrunch's @romaindillet has written a how-to guide on setting up your own encrypted VPN server in 15 minutes. It's really easy to get started!

https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/how-to-make-your-own-encrypted-vpn-server-in-15-minutes/

How to make your own encrypted VPN server in 15 minutes | TechCrunch

The best encrypted VPN is one that you have set up and secured yourself. Here's how to get started.

TechCrunch
Show threadZack WhittakerSep 30, 2024

Most people don't need a VPN, so we look at the best privacy tools that can meaningfully help protect your privacy online, and why.

There's no one-size-fits-all solution, but reducing the digital trail you leave behind online as you browse the web is really important. Some of these have immediate effect!

https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/vpn-providers-do-not-protect-your-privacy-online-here-is-what-can/

VPN providers don't protect your privacy online. Here's what can. | TechCrunch

You probably don't need a VPN. Instead, these free and open-source tools, and other services, can help protect your privacy online.

TechCrunch
Show threadVessOnSecurityOct 1, 2024

@zackwhittaker I have a lot of problems with this article...

- If your goal is to bypass geofencing, "run your own VPN" is a futile advice, unless you can afford to pay for a cloud VPS provider that has nodes in every location you need.

- Tailscale requires an "identity provider" to sign up. That's a big no-no for me, so that service is out.

- I had horrendous problems with WireGuard a few years ago. It might have improved meanwhile but I still avoid it like the fire.

- If you're "running your own VPN" a very important part of the set-up is whether you're behind a NAT and how to tunnel through it. The WireGuard setup guide mentions it - but your article is totally mum about it.

Thankfully, I don't need to bypass geofencing - only to access the office computers remotely - so running my own VPN is an acceptable solution for me. However, I use OpenVPN, not WireGuard, for reasons I mentioned above.

Show threadskrySep 30, 2024
@zackwhittaker https://amnezia.org/ is a very easy DIY VPN that also offers Wireguard.
Amnezia. Create your personal VPN

Amnezia VPN — simple and free app to run a self-hosted VPN with high privacy requirements

Show threadChris Farris Sep 30, 2024

@zackwhittaker @romaindillet

I heart Tailscale for this. I've got a machine at home and a few in AWS and I can VPN out from anywhere I want.

Show threadalcinnzSep 30, 2024

@zackwhittaker The clearest way I can put this: VPNs don't remove the trust you put in your ISP, they replace it. They move that trust to themselves.

Which *might* be useful, but is no panacea.