In this article, I will look at Surfshark’s ownership, jurisdiction, and recent changes in the company’s structure. Surfshark is a prominent VPN service provider known for its robust privacy tools and features. It has gained significant traction in the VPN market since its inception and is recognized for offering a user-friendly experience, competitive pricing, and a no-logs policy. If you are interested to learn more, I’ve reviewed Surfshark in an in-depth article.
Surfshark’s ownership
Surfshark is owned by Surfshark Ltd., a company registered in the British Virgin Islands.
The founder of Surfshark is Vytautas Kaziukonis who is still CEO of the company. In 2022, Surfshark merged with Nord Security under one holding company to form a cybersecurity powerhouse while still operating independently.
Nord Security owns Surfshark VPN since February 2, 2022, and the same company also owns NordVPN, NordLayer, and Atlas VPN.
Merger with Nord Security
In a strategic move to consolidate resources and share technical knowledge, Surfshark merged with Nord Security, the parent company of NordVPN, in February 2022. Nord Security was impressed by Surfshark’s fast growth and the expertise of its team. This merger marks the beginning of the largest internet security and privacy powerhouse, with both companies aligning on a strategic level to better serve customer needs and prepare for future challenges.
Despite the merger, Nord Security and Surfshark continue to operate autonomously, maintaining separate infrastructures and product roadmaps. Both brands will serve their existing user bases and focus on improving their respective products independently. The synergy resulting from the merger is expected to foster innovation within the cybersecurity industry and enhance the user experience by jointly combating online threats.
Jurisdictional Shift and Contractual Changes
Surfshark introduced a significant change in its contractual agreements. If a customer contracted Surfshark before October 1, 2021, their contract is with Surfshark Ltd., the British Virgin Islands-based entity. However, for contracts after October 1, 2021, it is with Surfshark B.V., a company established in the Netherlands.
Despite the distinction in contractual agreements, the Terms of Service for both entities are governed by the laws of the British Virgin Islands. This arrangement does not limit any consumer protection rights that customers may be entitled to under the mandatory laws of their country of residence. By agreeing to the Terms of Service, customers irrevocably consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands in all disputes related to Surfshark’s website or services.
The changes in contracts do not have any effect on Surfshark’s logging policy.
Expertise and Trustworthiness
Surfshark has consistently demonstrated its commitment to user privacy and security. The company’s expertise is evident through its sophisticated privacy tools, fast-growing user base, and positive industry reception. Moreover, the recent merger with Nord Security, a widely recognized and trusted cybersecurity provider, has strengthened Surfshark’s position in the market.
The company’s transparency about its ownership, jurisdiction, and contractual changes reflects its dedication to maintaining customer trust. In addition, Surfshark’s clear sourcing and evidence of expertise within the cybersecurity industry make it a reliable choice for users seeking a secure and private online experience.
Final Thoughts
Surfshark’s merger with Nord Security, its evolving ownership structure, and jurisdictional changes demonstrate the company’s dedication to providing a secure, privacy-focused VPN service to its users. With its strategic alliance with Nord Security, Surfshark is poised to continue expanding its offerings and enhancing its cybersecurity capabilities.
Surfshark is owned by Surfshark Ltd., a company registered in the British Virgin Islands
Yes, Surfshark is owned by NordVPN. In February 2022, Nord Security, the parent company of NordVPN, announced that it was merging with Surfshark.
No, Surfshark is based in Netherlands but operates under the jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands. It has offices in Lithuania and Poland.