Ever since its implementation, the new GDPR law made huge changes in the way websites collect and use your personal data. For EU citizens, these regulations were a great improvement in terms of privacy. As for companies, they are a real pain in the neck.
Up until this point, the Data Protection Directive law of 1995 was the only guarantee for users’ data privacy. It set the minimum standards in the European Union and put users’ information at risk.
As of May 2018, companies are no longer able to share your information with third parties without your permission. Additionally, you can legally request access to your data and information on how this data is being used, at any time.
But can you really?
Unfortunately, the GDPR protection applies to EU citizens only, and if you are not within the EU territory this won’t really affect you. Unless you do something about it.
How Will GDPR Improve Your Privacy?
You probably received tons of emails from websites and companies, saying that they have updated their Privacy Policies before the law came into force. And while GDPR has no effect on non-EU citizens, it certainly has on non-EU websites and companies.
As a matter of fact, every company that is or plans on working with people from the EU has to be GDPR compliant. Major companies updated their Privacy Policies, some made a different version of their websites for EU and non-EU users, others just gave up on the idea and blocked their websites on this large territory.
The General Data Protection Regulation law is an excellent improvement when it comes to privacy. It’s also backed by massive fines and criminal penalties for serious violations. These fines are a further guarantee and add another layer of protection.
The GDPR was specifically formed to protect personal data, and how this information is collected, stored, processed, used, or destroyed. It gives the netizens greater control over their personal data. But it still is an EU law, which means that it’s heavily focused on EU citizens.
If you don’t fall under this category, the only way of enjoying the benefits of the new law is by using a VPN.
Protect Your Privacy outside the EU
Most websites can determine your real location through your IP address. They use certain techniques that can help them locate their page visitors.
It means that if you are not living within the EU, or traveling abroad, the GDPR won’t be protecting you. But what if you use, for example, a German IP address even if you are located in the USA, Canada, or maybe Russia?
That’s entirely possible by using a Virtual Private Network.
And as the best solution to Geo-restrictions, VPNs can really help you in enjoying the benefits of the GDPR law. Their main peculiarity is that they can mask your IP address and help you get around Geo-restrictions, such as this one.
The only thing you need to do is find a good provider, install it on your devices, log in, and connect to one of its EU servers. The VPN will then mask your IP address, no matter where you’re from. Instead of your original location, the IP address will portray the location of the server you are connected to.
So, if you choose a server located in the Netherlands, your IP address will be Dutch. This is the only way to bypass the Geo-restriction. Besides, not only will you get data protection, but you will also browse some websites much faster.
Which VPNs Should You Use?
It might seem like a simple thing to do, but it’s far more complicated. Some companies have protection against VPNs, so accessing their websites can be very difficult. That’s why you need to avoid basic providers and focus on the good ones instead.
For a smooth experience, make sure that the VPN provider offers many servers in Europe, or more precisely in EU countries. The more servers there are, the bigger are your chances of having fast speeds while browsing.
Additionally, keep an eye on the company’s Privacy Policy and whether it’s GDPR compliant. If the VPN provider does not respect your privacy, there is no point in using it. Even though not all VPN providers are GDPR compliant, some did this immediately to show their users that they genuinely care for their rights. Among them are:
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has servers in every European country and is GDPR compliant. This makes it a great choice for people from all around the world. The provider is fast and reliable, however, it’s a bit expensive and does not have a free trial, or a free plan. Nevertheless, the VPN has a great 30-day money-back policy.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN has more than 2000 working servers throughout 38 European countries. Among other features, NordVPN offers fast servers, double security, as well as a Privacy Policy according to the GDPR. It’s cheap and very easy to use. The provider has a 3-day free trial and a 30-day refund policy.
3. PureVPN
PureVPN is among the providers that immediately updated their Privacy Policy according to the new GDPR law. They have around 300 servers that you can choose from in Europe, with very decent speeds. The provider has a great 15-day refund policy.