Only Santa should know whether you've been naughty or nice

It's that time of year when wishlists are shared, purchases spike, and everyone's online activity increases. No matter what you get up to online, it's worth remembering that your internet activity isn't as private as you think.

Your internet service provider (ISP) can see every website you visit, and in many countries, it can log and sell that data. Government agencies, advertisers, and third parties can also gain access, especially if you're not using protective tools.

If this sounds concerning, don't worry, there is a simple solution. By using one of the best VPNs to keep your activity private, just like Santa's naughty list should be.

How to keep your data private online

If staying off of Santa's radar (and anyone else's, for that matter) sounds appealing, the first step is making sure others can't track your online activity either. That's where a VPN (virtual private network) comes in.

Using a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic, making it unreadable to your internet service provider (ISP), government agencies, and data-hungry advertisers. It also reroutes your connection through a private server, hiding your real IP address and making it look like you're browsing from somewhere else in the world.

This isn't just about dodging targeted ads: in many countries, ISPs are allowed to log and sell your data. VPNs help stop that.

VPN use has also risen as new age verification laws gain traction across the world. From the Online Safety Act in the UK, to social media bans in Australia, to the myriad of age verification laws in the US, an increasing number of internet users are turning to VPNs to avoid handing over sensitive personal information in order to access everyday platforms or websites. If you care about privacy, using a VPN is no longer optional: it's essential.

How to choose a private VPN

Not all VPNs are created equal, especially if privacy is your top concern. If you're serious about keeping your identity and activity under wraps and are looking for the most private VPN, there are a few must-have features to look for before signing up.

Start with jurisdiction. Where a VPN is headquartered affects how your data is treated. Some countries have mandatory data retention laws or are part of surveillance alliances like Five Eyes (which includes the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand). For the best privacy, choose a provider based in a country with no legal obligation to store or share user data. Places like Panama or the British Virgin Islands are common privacy havens.

Next, check for a strict no-logs policy. This means the provider doesn't keep records of your browsing history, IP address, or connection timestamps. Some VPNs go a step further by undergoing independent audits and/or releasing transparency reports to prove they don't log your data, which is a major green flag if you want real transparency.

You should also look at how anonymous the payment process is. Some VPNs allow you to sign up with just an email address and accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or privacy coins, giving you an extra layer of anonymity. Others may require credit cards or PayPal, which can be linked back to your identity.

Finally, consider the track record of the VPN provider. Have they been involved in any data leaks or controversies? Do they have a clear and accessible privacy policy? A quick search can tell you a lot about whether they walk the walk when it comes to privacy.

In short: the best VPN for privacy is the one that hides your data, protects your identity, and stays out of your business, because only Santa should know if you've been naughty or nice.