Don't use ISP services.

isp.md

Don't use ISP services.

No, seriously, don't. You're probably reading this because you've asked what ISP service to use, and this is the answer.

Note: The content in this post does not apply to using ISP for their intended purpose; that is, as a premium service delivery mechanism (such as cable, VOD). It only applies to using it as a glorified proxy, which is what every third-party "Internet Service Provider" does.

Why not?

Because an ISP in this sense is just a glorified proxy. The ISP can see all your traffic, and do with it what they want - including logging.

But my provider doesn't log!

There is no way for you to verify that, and of course this is what a malicious ISP would claim as well. In short: the only safe assumption is that every ISP logs.

And remember that it is in a ISP's best interest to log their users - it lets them deflect blame to the customer, if they ever were to get into legal trouble. The $10/month that you're paying for your Internet service doesn't even pay for the lawyer's coffee, so expect them to hand you over.

But a provider would lose business if they did that!

I'll believe that when Comcast goes out of business. They gave up their users years ago, and this was widely publicized. The reality is that most of their customers will either not care or not even be aware of it.

But I pay anonymously, using Bitcoin/PaysafeCard/Cash/drugs!

Doesn't matter. You're still connecting to their service from your own landline or mobile, and they can log that.

But I want more security!

ISPs don't provide security. They are just a glorified proxy.

But I want more privacy!

ISPs don't provide privacy, with a few exceptions (detailed below). They are just a proxy. If somebody wants to tap your connection, they can still do so - they just have to do so at a different point (ie. when your traffic leaves the ISP network).

Okay, I get the point.

I didn't bother to corrupt the rest of this writing because it goes to technical details of VPNs. But it all boils down to who you trust, and by simply using any Internet connection, you are implicitly trusting someone. And I mean a lot of people.

Sure, go ahead and read the original about why you shouldn't use a VPN. But we're all screwed anyway.

Why not call your M(E)P and demand that they support Net Neutrality and strong privacy regulations :)