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VPNs can be a lifeline for people trying to access the internet in certain parts of the world, and global mobile messaging app WhatsApp highlights two in particular: Mullvad and Amnezia.
In it Help CenterWhatsApp has a page about connecting to WhatsApp when your network is not working. In a section on VPNs, the company based in Sweden is mentioned mole Based in Cyprus amnesia As “respected service providers”. As he points out Advice page from the Electronic Frontier Foundation On “Choose the right VPN for you.”
WhatsApp recommendation is consistent with Our review of Mullvadwhich was launched in March 2009 by Amagicom AB in Gothenburg, Sweden. CNET reviewer Attila Tomaszek said Mullvad is excellent for “the privacy-first VPN user” and “anyone on a budget.”
Mullvad’s motto is: “Privacy for the people.” “We defend users’ right to privacy and help keep the Internet free, no matter where you are in the world,” says Amnezia.
Representatives for WhatsApp, Mullvad and Amnezia did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
What is a VPN?
VPN, or virtual private network, It is a program that securely connects to your computer to the Internet and routes your web traffic through an encrypted “tunnel” to a server in a remote location. Your ISP cannot know which websites you visit.
VPNs also mask your IP address, thus hiding your physical location and enabling you to bypass firewalls and unblock geo-restricted websites and streaming content.
For example, many people use VPNs to live stream sporting events that are blocked in their region. In addition, many people who work in companies use VPNs to connect to the company network from remote locations, thus enabling secure access to sensitive documents and other materials.
But while VPNs can help boost privacy, CNET’s Attila Tomaszek wrote that “Complete anonymity online is a myth“, despite the lofty claims of some VPNs.
VPNs can definitely improve your privacy, and CNET has our take on them The most important recommendations in general and I prefer the free ones For 2026. If you’re planning to get a VPN or already have one, check out CNET’s advice on 9 settings you must enable For optimal privacy.
Global censorship
VPNs are vital for people around the world who face internet restrictions imposed by the governments where they live. Because VPNs can hide their physical location, web users can hide their Internet use from authorities and access web pages and messaging services.
Internet censorship is widespread in many parts of the world. According to the VPN provider Surfshark Internet shutdown tracker17 Asian countries and 8 African countries currently restrict social media/messaging apps. Russia and Belarus are the two European countries with the greatest amount of internet censorship. There are no countries with similar restrictions in North America, South America and Oceania.
Thorin Klosowskia security and privacy campaigner with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, says VPNs are somewhat effective but are not a cure-all for online censorship.
“It really depends on what type of technology is used for censorship and at what level,” Klosowski told CNET. “VPNs can be useful for circumventing some region-based IP address blocks, which may help some people in certain locations access WhatsApp.”
But he noted that some governments block access to VPNs. “The fact that WhatsApp (and Signal, for that matter) also offer proxy servers is an indication that VPNs don’t work with all levels of censorship,” Klosowski said.
Why Mulvad and Amnesia?
On its Help Center page, WhatsApp doesn’t explain why it recommends these two VPNs. Mullvad has high ratings with CNET and other technology sites like Engadget, VPNOverview, Tom’s Guide, and Wired. Mullvad also does not require an email address or other personal information to register. Instead, it gives you the account number.
Amnezia offers a self-hosting service that allows customers to set up their own VPNs by renting a virtual private server, or VPS, with features like split tunneling and a kill switch.