Who Owns Express VPN, Nord, Surfshark? VPN Relationships Explained (2024)
a day ago
- #VPN
- #Data Privacy
- #Affiliate Marketing
- The article presents a detailed map of relationships between VPN companies, media companies, and affiliate programs.
- ExpressVPN was sold to Kape Technologies, owned by Teddy Sagi, and is now part of a larger network including Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, Zenmate, and Goose VPN.
- NordVPN is owned by Nord Security, which also controls Surfshark and Atlas VPN after mergers.
- Surfshark, founded by Vytautas Kaziukonis, merged with NordVPN in 2022 but maintains separate branding.
- Kape Technologies, owned by Teddy Sagi, owns multiple VPN companies and operates affiliate sites like vpnMentor and Safety Detectives.
- Surfshark's Windows & Linux GUI has security vulnerabilities, leaving user data exposed.
- Affiliate programs for VPNs pay commissions ranging from $13 to $50 per conversion, with tracking periods from 30 to 90 days.
- NordVPN faces a potential class-action lawsuit over unethical cancellation practices.
- Hollywood studios have accused VPNs of facilitating crimes like piracy and even murder.
- VPN companies use influencers to make exaggerated claims about their services.
- Affiliate websites consistently promote paid affiliates over non-affiliates, even when non-affiliates are superior.
- The VPN industry is rapidly growing, projected to reach $77 billion in four years.
- The article invites contributions and verifies all claims with multiple sources.