By Brad Smith
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become go-to tools for people who care about online privacy and security. Interest in VPNs surged after major privacy revelations, and for good reason: a reliable VPN encrypts your internet traffic so that eavesdroppers—whether ISPs, advertisers, or government agencies—cannot easily read it. VPNs also help users bypass censorship and geo-restrictions; well-configured services can even work around robust filters such as China’s Great Firewall. However, the boom in VPN usage has also created opportunities for dubious free VPN services to exploit users. Below I explain the main risks and what to watch for when choosing a VPN.
Reasons to be cautious about free VPNs
1. May contain malware
One of the most serious risks with some free VPN apps is malware. Attackers sometimes distribute modified versions of popular software or create entirely new apps that appear legitimate but contain malicious code. Because these apps are free, users download them willingly, which lowers the barrier for infection. Once installed, malware can run in the background, steal data, install additional software, or turn a device into part of a botnet.
Mitigation steps: only download VPN apps from reputable sources, check developer information, and run an antivirus or malware scan on both the installer and the device after installation. Even then, if an app behaves oddly or requests unusual privileges, uninstall it immediately.
2. Invasive app permissions
Free VPN apps sometimes request excessive permissions that are unrelated to basic VPN functionality. Examples include access to your camera, microphone, contacts, SMS messages, or precise location. These permissions can enable intrusive tracking, deep profiling, or direct surveillance. In contrast, trustworthy paid VPNs typically request only the permissions necessary to create a secure tunnel and route traffic.
Always review app permissions and read the privacy policy or terms of service before installing. If a free VPN asks to enable device features that aren’t required for a VPN, treat it as a red flag. Where possible, disable or deny permissions that aren’t essential. If you cannot limit intrusive permissions, opt to uninstall and choose a provider with clearer, privacy-focused practices.
3. Data leaks
A VPN’s core job is to prevent leaks of sensitive information such as your IP address, DNS queries, and WebRTC data. Poorly developed or under-resourced free VPN services are more prone to configuration mistakes and software bugs that cause DNS leaks, WebRTC leaks, or IP address exposure. Any such leak undermines the privacy benefits of using a VPN by revealing your identity, location, or browsing activity to third parties.
Leaky VPNs often result from rushed development, misconfigured servers, or lack of testing across platforms. Paid VPNs typically invest more in infrastructure, security audits, and leak protection features (for example, kill switches, DNS leak protection, and tested client software). To protect yourself, run available leak tests for DNS and WebRTC after installing a VPN, and prefer providers that publish independent security audits or clear technical documentation.
The upshot
Between free and paid VPNs, a paid service usually offers a stronger guarantee of privacy, better security practices, and more reliable performance. That said, not every free VPN is malicious, and not every paid VPN is perfect. The key is to do due diligence: read recent user reviews, check for independent audits or transparency reports, try free trials when available, and compare the provider’s logging policy, jurisdiction, and technical safeguards.
If privacy and security matter to you, weigh the cost of a reputable VPN against the potential risks from a free or unknown service. A modest subscription often buys safer encryption, stronger leak protection, and a company model that doesn’t rely on selling user data.
About the Author
Brad Smith is a technology expert at TurnOnVPN, a non-profit organization that advocates for a safe, secure, and censorship-free internet. He writes about digital privacy, internet freedom, and the implications of tech industry practices. This article was originally published by The Learning Counsel, a research and news organization focused on the transition to digital curriculum in education.