If you want to travel to Europe or live there, you may need a VPN to safeguard your privacy. It doesn’t matter if you’re shopping online or working remotely, you can make sure your online interactions and data stay safe and secure. In the case of Europe, privacy laws such as GDPR restrict what VPNs you can use. Such regulations dictate the way VPN providers deal with your data. Therefore, while staying in Europe, users should consider another factor besides security when choosing a VPN: legal compliance.

What Are Europe’s Privacy Laws?

Europe’s prime regulation for digital privacy is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). GDPR helps users have more control over what companies do with their personal data. It also ensures that companies are transparent about how they handle data, so users no longer worry that their sensitive information is misused. All in all, this means there are strict privacy rules that VPN providers in the EU have to follow, and choosing a VPN that complies with GDPR guarantees your data is protected from threats.

Besides GDPR, individual countries may opt for their own privacy laws, which are usually stricter. For instance, in Germany, companies are required to retain minimal data while handling users’ information. Therefore, you have to factor in local laws as well in your process of choosing the best VPN while you’re residing in Europe.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a VPN in Europe

Now that you have a general idea about privacy laws surrounding VPN providers in Europe, let’s look at some of the factors you have to consider while choosing a VPN in Europe.

No-Log Policy

If a VPN provider is following a no-log policy, it means it doesn’t store any information regarding what you do online. In other words, based on a strict no-log policy, companies have nothing to offer when they’re asked for users’ data.

European laws such as GDPR force VPN providers to be responsible in their handling of personal data. Therefore, if you choose a no-log VPN, you’re following GDPR’s goal of data protection and security.

Data Security and Encryption

To protect your data from hackers, companies use encryption, making them unreadable if they’re hijacked. Most secure VPNs utilize AES-256 encryption along with standard protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard to protect your data.

Companies are required to incorporate strong encryption in compliance with Europe’s data protection laws. Choosing a VPN with robust encryption ensures that your information stays safe, according to GDPR’s goal of securing personal data at all times.

Jurisdiction and Server Location

While you’re residing in Europe, it’s better to choose VPNs with servers in Europe. European servers offer more speed and better performance. Also, you don’t have to worry about other jurisdictions’ geo-restrictions on platforms such as YouTube and Netflix.

It’s also important where your VPN provider is. Countries in 5/9/14 Eyes alliances, three different groups of countries that have agreed to share intelligence, might not be preferred location servers as there’s a chance your data isn’t safe. Users may choose a VPN outside these countries to add an extra layer of privacy to their online interactions.

Speed and Bandwidth

Last but not least, you don’t want to forget about speed. No matter what you’re doing online, whether it’s streaming, gaming, or working, you don’t want to deal with a laggy connection. Then, opt for a VPN that is fast and provides consistent performance.

Practical Tips for VPN Use in Europe

You can get a little more nit-picky while choosing a VPN for use in Europe. Here are some practical tips to ensure a better experience.

Avoiding Geo-Restrictions

Geo-restrictions in Europe may stop you from streaming your favorite shows on platforms such as Netflix. A VPN with specific servers in regions where the content you want is not locked can help you get around these geo-restrictions. However, remember that the further the servers is, the more likely it is for you to experience slowdowns.

Public Wi-Fi Security

While having access to the internet through public Wi-Fis seems very convenient, it’s a potential nightmare when it comes to data security. Hackers face fewer obstacles trying to obtain data while you’re using public Wi-Fi in a cafe or an airport. By using a VPN while being on these networks, users take a step towards securing their sensitive information such as passwords. With the encryption that VPNs offer, it’s almost impossible for your data to be stolen.

Mobile VPN Use

We do a lot of online interactions on our phones, from video calls to money transfers, so it’s important to protect these activities from online threats. While choosing a VPN, it’s in your best interest to go for a mobile-friendly one that has features such as auto-connect and kill switch. These ensure that you’re always connected to a VPN, and if, for any reason, your connection is terminated, your internet access is automatically blocked.

Why HorizonVPN Is a Good Choice for Europe

Utilizing strong encryption protocols such as AES-256 and WireGuard, HorizonVPN is in full compliance with the strict European data protection laws, including GDPR. Also, HorizonVPN’s no-log policy ensures that all user data stays anonymous.

HorizonVPN has servers available in many European countries including the UK, Germany, and France. For European users, this means fast connections that offer consistent performance for your different online activities. With HorizonVPN, you can enjoy streaming your favorite shows, doing remote work, and gaming sessions without interruptions.

Still not satisfied? HorizonVPN offers mobile-friendly apps with easy-to-use interface. This makes sure even the least tech-savvy users can enjoy the data protection needed in the online world. It also has built-in Wi-Fi protection to protect users connected to public networks. Finally, its automatic connection features ensure your data is safe 24/7.

Conclusion: Protecting Privacy in Europe

Privacy is of utmost importance when it comes to Europe’s data protection laws. VPNs that focus on no-log policies, strong encryption, and adherence to local regulations will protect your data from cyber threats.

While privacy should be your priority in choosing a VPN, let’s not forget about the connection quality. Look for VPNs that have servers in the EU to ensure consistent performance or opt for outside servers if you want to bypass geo-restrictions. HorizonVPN excels in all these areas. Users looking for the perfect online experience in Europe can visit HorizonVPN for VPNs that provide both quality and safety.