Police are seizing VPN servers: You MUST check this one detail from your VPN app now

What is a RAM-only server?

A RAM-only server is a type of VPN server that runs entirely in RAM (random-access memory), rather than storing data on traditional hard drives. RAM is a temporary form of memory, which means anything stored there is automatically erased whenever the server restarts. This makes it very different from regular servers, which can keep data on disk for weeks, months, or even indefinitely.

For VPN users, this is a big deal. Imagine your online activity — websites you visit, files you download, or even your IP address — being stored somewhere that could potentially be accessed by hackers or authorities. On a RAM-only server, that information doesn’t stick around. Even if a server is seized, there’s nothing to recover. In other words, it’s like writing in disappearing ink. Once the server reboots, your activity is gone forever.

VPN providers use RAM-only servers to enhance privacy and security by design. Many best VPN deals around, like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and more, all run RAM-only servers. This ensures that even under legal pressure, there is no data for authorities to seize. For example, if law enforcement were to confiscate a server, a VPN using RAM-only technology would have nothing to hand over, protecting users’ anonymity.

Proton VPN are one of the few providers that protect your information differently — using full-disk encryption with an AES-256 cypher instead, storing encryption keys off-site.

Are VPNs legal?

Despite the authorities confiscating VPN servers from providers and even shutting down a few companies completely, VPNs are not illegal.

If you've been issued a company laptop to work remotely, the IT department will likely require you to use a VPN before you start a shift. Needless to say, this isn't against the law.

But while VPNs were once solely used in enterprise and government spheres, these apps are becoming increasingly popular with people across the world to improve personal online security. As all of us rely on the internet for more and more of our daily lives, VPNs are an essential way to enhance privacy, block advertisers from tracking your movements, unlock streaming TV shows and sports coverage, and even find cheaper flights.

VPNs, however, are illegal in 10 countries: China, Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Iraq, Turkey, UAE, and Oman. If you're currently based in any of these nations or plan on visiting one soon, consider uninstalling any VPN apps from your devices.

Outside of these countries, VPNs are legal and can be used without restrictions.

But while it might be legal, it's worth noting that using a VPN might be against the Terms Of Service of some websites or mobile apps, so it's always worth checking the T&Cs to make sure you're in the clear.

Should I trust VPNs?

Using a reliable VPN can be a safe and secure way to browse the internet. But it's best not to unreservedly place your trust in every VPN provider on the market. You should be looking for AES-256 encryption — this is the standard used by most VPN protocols. If the VPN provider says that it uses PPTP, it's best to avoid this option as it only relies on 128-bit encryption.

Here are some of the best VPNs that use RAM-only servers and AES-256 encryption to help protect everything you do online.

You can feel supported and secure when you use a VPN with a RAM-only server like ExpressVPN.

Based in the British Virgin Islands — outside Five Eyes jurisdiction — it avoids mandatory data retention laws, which means that even if the company were collecting data (it's not), law enforcement from the UK and US would be unable to compel ExpressVPN to hand over any information about its subscribers.

ExpressVPN supports a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and routers. ExpressVPN stands out from the crowd and allows between 10 and 14 devices to be used at the same time, meaning internet users don’t need to worry about being limited to only one Windows 10, Windows 11, iPhone, Mac or Linux device.

ExpressVPN even offers a 30 day guarantee to first-time customers. Yes, ExpressVPN is so confident that you’ll love the services that it will give you your money back with no questions asked. It even offers 24/7 customer support, so you'll be able to talk to someone from any time zone to get a full refund if you're unhappy with the experience on your devices.

For Android and iOS users, ExpressVPN also offers a 7-day free trial, where you don’t need to worry about any money being taken from your accounts.

All you have to do is sign up for the 12-month plan and create your account to start your 7-day trial.

On top of operating with a RAM-only server, all NordVPN subscribers will enjoy automatic malware scans to save you from dodgy downloads and alerts about leaked credentials on the Dark Web. Of course, NordVPN also offers access to 6,400 server locations across the globe with fast connection speeds.

NordVPN provides military-grade encryption, fast global servers, and protection on public Wi-Fi. With a strict no-logs policy, CyberSec malware-blocking, and multi-device support, NordVPN safeguards your internet activity while maintaining speed and reliability worldwide.

Surfshark boasts faster RAM-only servers in more than 100 countries. The provider offers packages with 24/7 data breach alerts that flag when a website that you rely on has been hacked, antivirus software, its CleanWeb adblocker, and Alternative ID that generate a new email and phone number to enter into online forms — with communication forwarded to your real details, which remain anonymous.

What is a VPN?

VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, are applications that protect everything you do online by encrypting your web traffic — making it anonymous and untraceable to anyone outside of the secure connection between you and the website or service you're using.

It's like the difference between sending someone a heartfelt message on the back of a postcard (without a VPN) or a letter in a padlocked package (with a VPN).

That's because VPNs create an encryption tunnel where all of the communication between your gadget and the internet is funnelled. This is why it's so important not to rely on a VPN with speed or bandwidth restrictions, since you'll soon see a hit to your performance.

The best VPNs rely on the same military-grade encryption as governments in Britain and the USA, so even the Internet Service Provider (ISP) that provides your home Wi-Fi won't be able to record a list of the sites you're visiting, how long you spend on each site, and your devices.