Jurisdictions

Why jurisdiction matters

The country where an app is based influences privacy laws, surveillance risk, and user rights.

Low risk

Privacy-friendly

  • Strong data protection laws
  • Independent judiciary
  • Limited surveillance
  • Transparent legal processes

Examples: Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands

Medium risk

Mixed privacy

  • Some privacy laws exist
  • Significant surveillance capabilities
  • International cooperation
  • Government access possible

Examples: USA, UK, Canada

High risk

Privacy concerns

  • Limited privacy laws
  • Extensive surveillance
  • Government data access
  • Censorship requirements

Examples: China, Russia

Yes Important: Jurisdiction is just one factor. Combine it with technical design, transparency reports, audits, and data retention policies.
Low risk jurisdictions Click to toggle
🇨🇭 Switzerland Low

Laws: GDPR equivalent, strong privacy laws, independent oversight

Some of the strongest privacy protections worldwide; no mandatory data retention.

Notable apps: Proton

🇩🇪 Germany Low

Laws: GDPR, strict enforcement, strong consumer rights

Leader in privacy enforcement with independent authorities.

🇳🇱 Netherlands Low

Laws: GDPR, strong privacy culture, independent oversight

Robust data protection with independent oversight.

🇸🇪 Sweden Low

Laws: GDPR, strong privacy tradition, transparency laws

Long tradition of privacy protections and transparency.

Notable apps: Mullvad

🇬🇮 Gibraltar Low

Laws: GDPR equivalent, independent oversight

Strong data protection laws with privacy-friendly stance.

Notable apps: IVPN

Medium risk jurisdictions Click to toggle
🇺🇸 United States Medium

Laws: Limited federal privacy laws; state protections vary

Strong encryption rights but subject to surveillance and requests.

Notable apps: Signal, DuckDuckGo, Kagi

🇬🇧 United Kingdom Medium

Laws: GDPR equivalent; strong surveillance powers (Five Eyes)

Good consumer rights but extensive surveillance capabilities.

🇨🇦 Canada Medium

Laws: PIPEDA; independent privacy commissioner; Five Eyes member

Solid privacy laws but member of surveillance alliances.

🇮🇳 India Medium

Laws: Digital Personal Data Protection Act; evolving enforcement

Growing privacy framework, enforcement still evolving.

High risk jurisdictions Click to toggle
🇨🇳 China High

Laws: Limited privacy protections, extensive surveillance and data access

Extensive government access and censorship requirements.

Notable apps: WeChat

🇷🇺 Russia High

Laws: Limited privacy protections, government surveillance

Government access and censorship; limited privacy safeguards.