Surfshark, a well-known Virtual Private Network (VPN) service, has ceased its physical server operations in India. This decision has left many users wondering about the reasons behind this move and its implications. This article aims to explain the factors leading to Surfshark’s exit from India and how it affects users.
What is the New Cybersecurity Regulations in India
In April 2022, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) introduced new cybersecurity directives. These regulations mandate that VPN service providers, along with data centers and cloud services, must collect and store specific user data. The required information includes names, email addresses, contact numbers, and IP addresses. Moreover, VPN providers are obligated to retain user logs for 180 days and maintain this data for a period of five years. The primary goal of these directives is to enhance cybersecurity and combat cybercrime within the country.
Surfshark’s Commitment to User Privacy
Surfshark operates on a strict “no-logs” policy, meaning it does not track or store user activity data. This approach is fundamental to ensuring user privacy and security. The new Indian regulations conflict with this core principle, as compliance would require Surfshark to alter its operational practices significantly. Collecting and storing user data could potentially compromise user privacy, a risk that Surfshark is unwilling to take.
Decision to Remove Physical Servers from India
Faced with the choice of complying with the new regulations or upholding its privacy standards, Surfshark chose to discontinue its physical server operations in India. By doing so, the company avoids the need to collect and store user data as mandated by the Indian government. This decision aligns with Surfshark’s dedication to maintaining user trust and ensuring data security.
What is Virtual Indian Servers
To continue serving its Indian user base, Surfshark has implemented virtual servers that provide Indian IP addresses. These virtual servers are physically located in Singapore and London but function similarly to physical servers in India. Users can connect to these virtual servers to access content as if they were in India, ensuring a seamless experience despite the absence of physical servers within the country.
Impact on Indian Users
For Indian users, the transition to virtual servers means that they can still access Surfshark’s services without significant disruption. While there might be minor differences in connection latency due to the physical distance of the servers, the overall functionality remains intact. Users can continue to enjoy secure and private internet access, bypass geo-restrictions, and protect their online activities.
Broader Implications for the VPN Industry
Surfshark is not the only VPN provider affected by India’s new cybersecurity regulations. Other major services, such as ExpressVPN, have also withdrawn their physical servers from India. This trend indicates a broader concern within the VPN industry regarding user privacy and data security. Companies are faced with the challenge of balancing regulatory compliance with their commitment to protecting user information.
Best Surfshark Alternatives for India
If you prefer a VPN with physical Indian servers, consider:
| VPN Provider | Indian Servers | No-Logs Policy | Streaming Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | Yes (Virtual) | ✅ Yes | Netflix, Hotstar, Amazon Prime |
| NordVPN | Yes (Virtual) | ✅ Yes | Disney+, SonyLiv, Zee5 |
| ProtonVPN | No | ✅ Yes | YouTube, Social Media |
| Ivacy | Yes (Physical) | ❌ Logs Data | Limited Streaming |
| PureVPN | Yes (Physical) | ❌ Logs Data | Hotstar, Netflix |
Our Recommendation: ExpressVPN or NordVPN offer the best balance of privacy and performance.
Conclusion
Surfshark’s decision to remove its physical servers from India underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to user privacy and data security. Despite the regulatory challenges, Surfshark continues to provide its services to Indian users through virtual servers, ensuring minimal disruption. This move highlights the ongoing tension between governmental regulations and the principles of privacy-centric services in the digital age.
