Despite its sometimes mixed reputation, Opera’s in-browser VPN continues to improve. Now, it can boast of a place among secure VPNs that do not log any user data, as confirmed by Big Four auditing firm Delloite.
Opera Confirms Its No-Log VPN
Opera’s browser VPN has mixed reviews. While it features in our list of the best browsers with a built-in VPN, at times, other VPN review services have been underwhelmed.
Still, for a free VPN to use in a pinch, it’s useful enough—and its latest update confirms that Opera’s free VPN doesn’t log your data.
Posting on the Opera blog, the browser company confirmed that Deloitte had tested several key areas to confirm the no-log status, including:
- Thorough inspection of Opera’s VPN infrastructure
- Review of server configurations, deployment, policies, and privacy statements
- Inquiries and interviews with Opera employees.
On completion, Deloitte reported:
Based on the procedures performed and the evidence obtained, in our opinion, the configuration of IT systems and management of the supporting IT operations was suitably designed and implemented, in all material respects, based on the criteria described in Opera’s Management Assertion, as of 10th August 2024.
Interestingly, Opera’s VPN Pro—its paid-for premium option—wasn’t included in the no-log audit. Deloitte’s investigation only focused on the free version. However, there is a good reason for that: the premium version uses NordVPN’s infrastructure, which has already been vetted and has a no-log policy confirmed.
Opera’s Free VPN Joins the No-Log VPN Ranks
There are countless VPN providers, hundreds upon hundreds, spread around the world, all claiming to be the best. Many offer similar features, too, like strong encryption, multiple server options, a kill switch, and so on.
However, having an audited no-log policy is one of the few real standout features a VPN provider can use to illustrate its security and privacy credentials, and it’s great to see Opera pushing this for its free VPN option.
The additional privacy a no-log VPN provider delivers can’t be understated, either. If authorities do ever come knocking on Opera’s door, they will have nothing to show them. Previous examples of this, such as when Mullvad VPN was subject to a police raid on its servers, show just how vital it is to use a properly secure VPN.
