A while ago, HideMyAss! (HMA) collected users’ IP addresses, though for a limited amount of time. Some folks didn’t mind that, especially those who just used VPN to get their US Netflix fix from other countries. On the other hand, there were also others who thought why bother with a service that will log anything about its users when there are competitors that don’t collect any data.
We were glad that with version 5 HMA changed this practice, and now they are taking an extra step forward to become the true no-log VPN — as far as any identifiable user information is concerned, that is. After all, most VPNs collect servers’ performance data so they could continually improve their services.
HMA’s updated privacy policy clearly states it is a no-log VPN. Better yet, the company doesn’t just want us to believe their words — instead, it is in the process of getting its infrastructure audited by an independent security company. And that, in case you wonder, is just the way we like it. 😉
In a blog post announcing the news, HMA specifically states that it doesn’t collect any of the following data:
- User’s original IP address, which could be used for identification.
- Any of your DNS queries, which would let HMA see what sites you visit.
- Your activity, which includes sites you log into, services you try, apps you run, streams you’re watching and so on.
What I especially like about HMA’s news is that it admits it is just “catching up” with the competition, many of which haven’t collected any data for years. Going forward, the HMA says, is to start taking steps to become real champions of privacy.
There are also things HMA still collects, but these data points couldn’t be used to identify any individual user:
- The dates users connect, exclusively for troubleshooting and customer service. Specific times are not collected, just the day and if it was morning (12 AM) or evening (12 PM).
- A general idea of how much data is transmitted, rounded to the nearest hundred megabyte, which is used to plan for network capacity and server improvements.
Going forward, HideMyAss! plans to work further on its privacy features as well as to add other capabilities to its (awesome looking) VPN apps. More to come, obviously.
Pros
Cons
- Big network with servers across the world
- Fast download and upload speeds
- Great for streaming (Netflix, BBC iPlayer, etc)
- 7-day free trial option
- Strict money-back guarantee