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ExpressVPN Announces Major Privacy Certifications & Transparency Report

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In an era where digital privacy is under constant pressure, ExpressVPN, a globally recognised virtual private network provider, has announced a significant milestone in security and transparency. The company recently secured multiple ISO security and privacy certifications and released a new transparency report showing that it did not disclose any user data in response to approximately 1.38 million legal and law‑enforcement requests.

These developments reaffirm ExpressVPN’s commitment to a strict no‑logs privacy policy and set new standards for accountability in the VPN industry.

What Did ExpressVPN Announce?

ExpressVPN has achieved several internationally recognised certifications for its privacy and security practices, including certifications from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) — such as:

  • ISO/IEC 27001 (Information Security Management)
  • ISO/IEC 27018 (Protection of Personal Data in the Cloud)

These recognitions validate the company’s internal systems, data handling, and security controls against independent third‑party standards — not just self‑reported claims.

In parallel, ExpressVPN published a transparency report indicating that in response to roughly 1.38 million requests from law enforcement and government agencies worldwide, no user data was disclosed. This strongly supports ExpressVPN’s widely publicised no‑logs policy, which asserts that the company does not collect or retain data that could identify individual users.

Why This Matters for Online Privacy

In the digital age, privacy and security are major concerns for individuals and businesses alike. VPNs are widely used to:

  • Prevent tracking by advertisers or ISPs
  • Secure data on public Wi‑Fi
  • Access geo‑restricted content
  • Maintain anonymity online

However, not all VPNs are equal in how they manage user data or respond to legal demands. The fact that ExpressVPN underwent rigorous security certification and published a detailed transparency report builds trust and accountability.

Third‑Party Validation

ISO certifications — internationally recognised benchmarks — provide independent assurance that ExpressVPN’s security practices align with global standards. This strengthens confidence in claims about encryption, access control, and data handling.

No Logs, No Data Shared

When a VPN provider collects detailed logs (such as IP addresses, connection timestamps, or browsing history), those logs can be subject to government or law enforcement access. ExpressVPN’s transparency report confirms that even when presented with a high volume of requests, no user activity logs were disclosed because none were held.

How Many Requests Did ExpressVPN Receive?

According to ExpressVPN’s transparency report:

Request TypeCountResult
Legal / Government Requests1,380,000+Zero user data disclosed
Requests for LogsAllNo logs available to disclose
Source JurisdictionsMultipleNo breach of privacy

This level of transparency is rare in the VPN industry and provides measurable evidence of privacy protections in action.

What Is a “No‑Logs Policy”?

A no‑logs policy means that a VPN provider does not record or retain information that could identify individual users or reveal their online activity. This typically includes:

  • IP addresses
  • Browsing history
  • Connection timestamps
  • DNS queries

When properly implemented, no‑logs policies help ensure that even if servers are seized or requests are made, there is no meaningful data to disclose.

However, the effectiveness of such a policy depends on independent verification — which is where third‑party audits and certifications become essential.

Why ISO Certifications Are Important

ISO standards are internationally accepted frameworks that help organisations mitigate risks related to security and privacy.

ISO/IEC 27001

This is the gold standard for information security management. It requires a comprehensive system that:

  • Identifies and manages risks
  • Applies strict access controls
  • Uses continuous monitoring and improvement
  • Ensures secure data handling processes

Achieving ISO/IEC 27001 means that ExpressVPN’s internal security systems have been objectively assessed and validated.

ISO/IEC 27018

This standard focuses specifically on protection of personal data in cloud environments. Its presence indicates that ExpressVPN adheres to stringent protocols for handling personal information in cloud‑based systems.

For more details on ISO security standards, visit ISO’s official site here: https://www.iso.org/isoiec-27001-information-security.html

Expert Insights: Why Transparency Reports Matter

Transparency reports are a growing trend among major technology and privacy organisations, including companies like Google and Microsoft. These reports typically disclose:

  • How many government requests were received
  • Whether data was provided
  • The legal basis for responding
  • Geographic breakdown of requests

For VPN providers, publishing such reports provides evidence that privacy policies are backed by real‑world accountability, not just marketing language.

Privacy Certifications vs Market Claims

Not all VPN providers undergo third‑party verification. Without independent audits or certifications, users must rely solely on company claims. This raises several key questions:

  • Can we trust marketing language alone?
  • Are internal policies enforced consistently?
  • How do providers respond to legal requests in practice?

ExpressVPN’s certifications and transparency report help answer these questions with evidence rather than promotional claims.

What This Means for Users

If you are considering a VPN for privacy or security, these developments have several implications:

  • Greater trust: Certifications and transparency reports indicate stronger accountability.
  • Reduced risk: No‑logs policies backed by verifiable outcomes reduce exposure to data requests.
  • Better security posture: ISO‑certified systems typically have stronger internal controls.

These factors contribute to a more reliable digital privacy and security experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a transparency report?

A transparency report is a document published by a company that details requests from law enforcement or governments and how the company responded.

Why are ISO certifications important?

ISO certifications provide third‑party validation that an organisation adheres to internationally recognised security and privacy standards.

Does ExpressVPN collect user data?

According to its transparency report, ExpressVPN did not disclose any user data in response to legal or law enforcement requests because it does not retain user logs.

Are all VPN providers certified?

No. Not all VPN services undergo independent audits or obtain ISO certifications, which makes ExpressVPN’s achievements noteworthy.

Will these developments improve online privacy?

Yes. Public accountability and certified security practices help raise industry standards and improve overall trust in digital privacy tools.

Conclusion

ExpressVPN’s announcement of major privacy certifications and a robust transparency report represents a positive trend in digital privacy accountability. As public awareness of online surveillance and data governance grows, users are demanding greater transparency and measurable proof of privacy commitments.

Through ISO security and privacy certifications and verifiable data from its transparency report — showing zero disclosed user records across 1.38 million requests — ExpressVPN has strengthened its position as a trusted privacy provider in a crowded market.

In a world where online privacy is constantly challenged, such independently validated commitments are not just reassuring — they are essential.

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Ikeh James Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) | NDPC-Accredited

Ikeh James Ifeanyichukwu is a Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO) accredited by the Institute of Information Management (IIM) in collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). With years of experience supporting organizations in data protection compliance, privacy risk management, and NDPA implementation, he is committed to advancing responsible data governance and building digital trust in Africa and beyond. In addition to his privacy and compliance expertise, James is a Certified IT Expert, Data Analyst, and Web Developer, with proven skills in programming, digital marketing, and cybersecurity awareness. He has a background in Statistics (Yabatech) and has earned multiple certifications in Python, PHP, SEO, Digital Marketing, and Information Security from recognized local and international institutions. James has been recognized for his contributions to technology and data protection, including the Best Employee Award at DKIPPI (2021) and the Outstanding Student Award at GIZ/LSETF Skills & Mentorship Training (2019). At Privacy Needle, he leverages his diverse expertise to break down complex data privacy and cybersecurity issues into clear, actionable insights for businesses, professionals, and individuals navigating today’s digital world.

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