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PIA VPN to be acquired by malware company founded by former Israeli spy (telegra.ph)

1004 points by ArcVRArthur · 2508 days ago · 359 comments on HN

Article summary

Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN is being acquired by Kape Technologies, a company formerly known as Crossrider, which has a history of producing malware and adware. The acquisition has raised concerns among users about the potential impact on PIA's privacy and security practices. Kape Technologies has attempted to distance itself from its past activities, but some users remain skeptical. The acquisition has led some users to consider alternative VPN providers, such as Mullvad.

Main themes

  • VPN acquisition
  • privacy concerns
  • malware history
  • alternative VPNs
  • online security
  • trust and perception

What commenters say

  • The acquisition of PIA by Kape Technologies is a cause for concern due to Kape's past history of producing malware and adware.
  • Mullvad is a viable alternative to PIA, offering transparent operations and strong privacy features.
  • Using a VPN is only one aspect of maintaining online privacy, and users should also prioritize end-to-end encryption.
  • The trustworthiness of a VPN provider is not the only factor in determining the privacy of the connection, as governments may still be able to log data.
  • Kape's past activities do not necessarily determine its current intentions, and the company may have changed its practices under new management.
  • The merger may have been motivated by financial considerations, such as allowing the founders to cash out.
  • The perception of Kape's trustworthiness is a significant factor in determining the success of the acquisition, regardless of the company's actual intentions.