Private Internet Access shuts down VPN servers in Hong Kong due to new national security law

Posted on Jul 14, 2020 by Private Internet Access
private internet access leaving hong kong vpn exit node

The Hong Kong VPN exit node will return as a geo-located region.

Denver, CO, July 14th 2020 — Effective immediately, Private Internet Access (PIA) is wiping and shutting down our VPN servers located in Hong Kong in response to the new Chinese national security law foisted by fiat on Hong Kong. Private Internet Access, the world’s leading no log VPN service, is removing its physical Hong Kong servers because new national security laws in the region endanger the privacy of our users and all Hong Kong residents. China’s new national security law allows law enforcement to seize servers located in Hong Kong without a warrant and otherwise execute warrantless interception of communications.

Private Internet Access users will soon be able to connect to a new Hong Kong exit gateway – this is possible thanks to the use of geo-located servers in another country so that our users can continue to access a Hong Kong IP address but through servers located in countries with more favorable laws regarding privacy. This isn’t the first time that Private Internet Access has taken a stand against oppressive laws and it won’t be the last – PIA will not operate servers in locations that have enacted anti-privacy internet laws or proven to not follow the rule of law. Our commitment to privacy is why PIA has previously removed servers in Brazil, South Korea, and Russia.

Chris Miller, the Chief Marketing Officer of Private Internet Access, said:

“It’s important to note that we aren’t blocking users from these regions, just removing physical servers – so internet users can continue to have the privacy they need now more than ever.”

Even if anyone were to seize PIA servers, there would be no privacy breach. Private Internet Access’s strict no logging policy means that users can rest assured that their internet activity is private. Miller said:

“Our commitment always has been and always will be to the privacy and security of our users. This is our promise and we are standing by it.”

About Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is an award-winning VPN service provider that enables its users to browse the web privately and securely, with apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux & Google Chrome. Private Internet Access comes with a proven no logs policy as well as a 30 day money back guarantee. Please visit www.privateinternetaccess.com for more information.

Comments are closed.

11 Comments

  1. Skeptron

    Please open a VPN server in Taiwan.

    4 years ago
  2. Audrey

    PIA should seriously consider opening a VPN server in Taiwan. Please!

    4 years ago
  3. PIA users

    How do I connect to Hong Kong VPN after the shut down of PIA servers there. Now I cannot get a Hong Kong IP address using my PIA account? I am considering to switch to another VPN provider. Thank you,

    4 years ago
    1. Caleb Chen

      Thanks for your comment, the good news is that you do not need to switch to another VPN provider. As mentioned in the post, you will be able to get a Hong Kong IP address using your PIA account once our geo-located Hong Kong region is online which will be soon. We apologize for the incovenience but this is a necessary step to protect the privacy of our users.

      4 years ago
      1. Tommy

        When can we have HK IP again?

        4 years ago
        1. Caleb Chen

          The geo located HK region will be back up soon, stay tuned!

          4 years ago
          1. Ton

            Please be more specific:
            “Soon” for one person is hours, for companies it may be weeks or months….

            4 years ago
          2. Caleb Chen

            Unfortunately, I do not have anything more specific. Stay tuned!

            4 years ago
  4. CRuMBHeAD

    Chinese people are in need of a civil war before they lose all rights!

    4 years ago
    1. joe

      found the american

      4 years ago
  5. Jeff Cantwell

    Thank you for taking a stand. We must fight against authoritarianism daily. Humanity was meant to be free. No crime committed by a man comes near the evil done be a state authority to protect their power over our lives.

    4 years ago