> IP addresses are only one minor tracking mechanism out of many which defeat obscuring originating IP by means of VPN altogether (canvas fingerprint, cookies, font/screen tracking, etc.)
I agree. This is why I said "useful starting point". A user looking for browsing privacy needs to do more than just use a VPN or Tor. Obscuring your IP address somehow is necessary but not sufficient. This is what I meant.
Category: [Misunderstanding]
> You're trying to say if I use a VPN, I get privacy because websites don't know my IP, but this isn't even remotely accurate.
No, I said it's a "useful starting point". I did not say it's sufficient. I could have been more clear, but I was in a hurry when I wrote it.
Category: [Misunderstanding]
> Do you explain this anywhere in your marketing materials?
We do! On our landing page you are met with this:
"... a ... VPN is a good first step toward reclaiming [your right to privacy]."
Right below is a button ("What is a VPN?"), which leads to a page containing a header ("How a VPN protects your privacy"), which explains further:
"Using a VPN is a great first step toward protecting your privacy, but it's not the ultimate solution (we wish it was!). However, it's easy to improve your privacy ninja skills."
The quote above links to a guide explaining what is necessary to protect your browsing privacy: https://mullvad.net/en/help/first-steps-towards-online-priva...
Category: [Question]
With this reply I believe I have shown you that we (Mullvad) do "reason about this in a transparent and objective way", both on your website, and with people giving us feedback.
As an aside I think IVPN's approach might be more to your liking, but nevertheless none of your stated concerns apply to us. As I've shown above they came down to two misunderstandings and a question.
If you have any other concerns I'd love to hear them. I appreciate your feedback. If we only spoke with people who gave us positive feedback we wouldn't improve as much.