WhatsApp Advises Users to Try Mullvad and Amnezia VPNs to Circumvent Blocks
VPNs can be a lifesaver 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 offers a page on connecting to WhatsApp when your network is not working. In a section on VPNs, it lists Sweden-based Mullvad and Cyprus-based Amnezia as “reputable providers.” Additionally, it references an Electronic Frontier Foundation advice page on “choosing the VPN that’s right for you.”
WhatsApp recommendation aligns with our opinion on Mullvadlaunched in March 2009 by Amagicom AB in Gothenburg, Sweden. CNET reviewer Attila Tomaschek said Mullvad is excellent for “the privacy-conscious VPN user” and “anyone on a budget.”
Mullvad’s slogan is: “Privacy is for the people.” Amnezia says: “We defend users’ rights to privacy and help maintain Internet freedom, no matter where you are in the world. »
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 connects your computer securely to the Internet and channels your web traffic through an encrypted “tunnel” to a server in a remote location. Your Internet service provider cannot know which websites you visit.
VPNs also mask your IP address, hiding your physical location and allowing you to bypass firewalls and unblock geographically restricted websites and streaming content.
For example, many people use VPNs to live stream sporting events that would otherwise be hidden in their area. Additionally, many people working for businesses use VPNs to connect to the company network from remote locations, allowing secure access to sensitive documents and other items.
But while VPNs can help boost privacy, CNET’s Attila Tomaschek writes that “complete anonymity online is a myth“, despite the lofty claims of some VPNs.
VPNs can definitely improve your privacy, and CNET has our best recommendations overall and the the best free for 2026. If you’re considering getting a VPN or already have one, check out CNET’s advice on 9 settings you need to enable for optimal privacy.
Global censorship
VPNs are vital for people around the world facing internet restrictions imposed by the governments where they live. Since VPNs can hide their physical location, web users can hide their Internet use from authorities and access web pages and email services.
Internet censorship is rampant in many parts of the world. According to Internet Shutdown Tracker from VPN provider Surfshark, 17 Asian countries and 8 African countries currently restrict social media/messaging apps. Russia and Belarus are the two European countries with the highest internet censorship. No countries have similar restrictions in North America, South America and Oceania.
Thorin Klosowski, a security and privacy campaigner at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, says VPNs are somewhat effective but are not a panacea against all forms of internet censorship.
“It really depends on what type of technology is used for censorship and at what level,” Klosowski told CNET. “VPNs can be useful for bypassing some region-based IP blocks, which can help some people in certain 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 do not work at 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 scores highly on CNET and other tech sites like Engadget, VPNOverview, Tom’s Guide, and Wired. Mullvad also does not require an email address or other personal information to register. Instead, it gives you an account number.
Amnezia offers a self-hosted service that allows customers to set up their own VPNs by renting a virtual private server, or VPS, with features like split tunneling and a kill switch.
