VPNs can be a lifeline for people trying to access the internet in certain parts of the world, and global mobile messaging app WhatsApp is highlighting two in particular: Mullvad and Amnezia.

In its Help Center, WhatsApp has a page about connecting to WhatsApp when your network isn’t working. In a section on VPNs, it names the Sweden-based Mullvad and Cyprus-based Amnezia as “well-regarded providers.” Also, it references an advice page from the Electronic Frontier Foundation on “choosing the VPN that’s right for you.”

WhatsApp’s recommendation aligns with our review of Mullvad, which was launched in March 2009 by Amagicom AB in Gothenburg, Sweden. CNET reviewer Attila Tomaschek said Mullvad is excellent for the “privacy-first VPN user” and “anyone on a budget.”

Mullvad’s tagline is: “Privacy is for the people.” Amnezia says: “We defend users’ right to privacy and help keep the internet free, no matter where in the world you are.”

Representatives for WhatsApp, Mullvad and Amnezia did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or virtual private network, is software that securely connects your computer to the internet and funnels your web traffic through an encrypted “tunnel” to a server in a remote location. Your internet service provider can’t know what websites you are visiting. 

VPNs also mask your IP address, thereby hiding your physical location and enabling you to bypass firewalls and unblock geographically restricted websites and streaming content.

For example, many people use VPNs to livestream sporting events that otherwise are blacked out in their areas. Also, many people who work for corporations use VPNs to connect to the corporate network from remote locations, thereby enabling secure access to sensitive documents and other materials.

But while VPNs can help boost privacy, CNET’s Attila Tomaschek writes that “complete online anonymity is a myth,” despite the lofty claims of some VPNs.

VPNs can definitely improve your privacy, and CNET has our top recommendations overall and the best free ones for 2026. If you’re planning to get a VPN or already have one, check out CNET’s advice on 9 settings you should enable for optimal privacy.

Global censorship 

VPNs are vital for people all over the world who face internet restrictions imposed by the governments where they live. Since VPNs can mask their physical location, web users can hide their internet usage from authorities and access web pages and messaging services.

Internet censorship is rampant in many parts of the world. According to VPN provider Surfshark’s Internet Shutdown Tracker, 17 Asian countries and 8 African countries are currently restricting social media/messaging apps. Russia and Belarus are the two European nations with the highest amount of internet censorship. No countries have similar restrictions in North America, South America and Oceania.

Thorin Klosowski, a security and privacy activist with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, says that VPNs are somewhat effective but not a cure-all against all forms of internet censorship.

“It really depends on the type of technology that’s being used for censorship and at what level,” Klosowski told CNET. “VPNs can be useful for circumventing some region-based IP blocking, which may help some people in some locations access WhatsApp.” 

But he noted that some governments block access to VPNs. “The fact that WhatsApp (and Signal, for that matter) also offer proxy servers is an indication that VPNs don’t work for all levels of censorship,” Klosowski said.

Why Mullvad and Amnezia?

On its Help Center page, WhatsApp does not explain why it recommends these two VPNs. Mullvad rates highly with CNET and other tech sites such as Engadget, VPNOverview, Tom’s Guide and Wired. Mullvad also does not require an email address or other personal information to sign up. Instead, it gives you an account number.

Amnezia offers a self-hosted service that lets customers set up their own VPNs by renting a virtual private server, or VPS, with features such as split-tunneling and a kill switch.