There are a LOT of shady VPN companies around, but Mullvad is one I do trust. They also do indy audits of their service. And they support standards like wireguard. I'd probably trust Proton's VPN too. But VERY few others!

As long as we're doing shoutouts... I've had good luck with Racknerd when I wanted a VPS. They have cheap plans. Like if you just want one for light selfhosting, for your friends and family. Good web portal. The one time I needed service, they were prompt and helpful. Selfhosting shit helps me avoid big tech surveilance.

One prob all social media eventually has... prob lemmy too, just a matter of time... is astroturfing is getting hard to tell from genuine human experiences. Some shady VPN co's do real heavy astroturfing. I hate this because it poisons the well. It erodes the digital commons. Not accusing Mullvad here - but there are lots of others who do. So it pays to be mindful.