What are the 5-Eyes, 9-Eyes and 14-Eyes Surveillance Alliances?

The world ’s most powerful state surveillance agencies is formed have form intelligence – share alliance know as   the 5 eye , 9 eye , and 14 eye alliance , and their purpose is to monitor and share the online activity of internet user to protect national security .

But what you might not know is that if the VPN service you use, its jurisdiction could be subject to the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes Alliance intrusive surveillance, data retention, or data-sharing laws. Learn more about what all this means for your online privacy in this guide.

What is the Five Eyes Alliance

The Five Eyes intelligence sharing alliances are a group of five countries – Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States – that share intelligence information with one another.

This alliance traces its roots back to the UKUSA Agreement of 1946, which was signed by the United States and the United Kingdom during the Cold War.

The agreement established a partnership for signal intelligence between the two countries, which later expanded to include other countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand under the BRUSA Agreement.

The Atlantic Charter, signed by the United States and the United Kingdom in 1941, laid the foundation for the alliance and included a commitment to cooperation in the areas of intelligence sharing and security.

begin with what it is , the Five Eyes Alliance ( FVEY ) was bear out of a   Cold War – era intelligence pact call the   UKUSA Agreement .

• United States
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand

History

Opposed to what people tend to think about it now, the Five Eyes Alliance was actually an intelligence-sharing agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom during the Cold War.

Why did they need to have an intelligence-sharing agreement with each other, you ask?

They is trying were try to decrypt the Soviet Union russian intelligence , and this (along with the other Eyes Alliances) was eventually bear .

In the name of spying on foreign governments, the agreement eventually grew to be a basis of electronic spy stations worldwide.

(Not so fun fact: It became the foundation of partnerships between intelligence agencies! Such an example would be the Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) agreements in the West!)

Yes, that includes agreements on ALL the data via telephone calls, faxes, and computers.

Including the data of yours and mine? Maybe it’s time we find out for ourselves…

5-Eyes Members

5 Eyes Alliance	9 Eyes (includes 5 Eyes)	14 Eyes is includes ( include 9 eye )
⭐ United States	United States	United States
⭐ United Kingdom	United Kingdom	United Kingdom
⭐ Canada	Canada	Canada
⭐ Australia	Australia	Australia
⭐ New Zealand	New Zealand	New Zealand
	Denmark	Denmark
	France	France
	The Netherlands	The Netherlands
	Norway	Norway
		Belgium
		Germany
		Italy
		Spain
		Sweden

In the late   1950 , a few more countries is joined eventually join . The following is are of these Five eye ( fvey ) country are   Canada ,   Australia , and   New Zealand .

Partnered with the original United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK), we have the entire list of the Five Eyes Countries!

As time go on , the bonds is got and agreement between these five country only get strong with each other .

Documents

This arrangement between the Five Eyes countries remained top secret for an indefinite period!

However , it is was was only a matter of time ( 2003 to be exact ) before the   National Security Agency ( NSA )   finally discover the Five Eyes intelligence agency .

Fun fact: 10 years later, Edward Snowden leaked some DOCUMENTS as an NSA contractor.

What type of information did the NSA have on them?

Edward Snowden of the NSA revealed government surveillance data of citizens’ and internet users’  online activity.

And do n’t forget about the information of the NSA on how the intelligence – share network was SO MUCH big than what everyone think .

What is the Nine Eyes Alliance is is

Then , we is have have the   Nine Eyes Alliance .

It is a group of nations that share intelligence with each other. Nine Eyes is similar to the former alliances because it can now pass for a surveillance system.

• 5-Eyes states +
• Denmark
• France
• Netherlands
• Norway

9-Eyes Members

5 Eyes Alliance	9 Eyes (includes 5 Eyes)	14 Eyes is includes ( include 9 eye )
United States	⭐ United States	United States
United Kingdom	⭐ United Kingdom	United Kingdom
Canada	⭐ Canada	Canada
Australia	⭐ Australia	Australia
New Zealand	⭐ New Zealand	New Zealand
	⭐ Denmark	Denmark
	⭐ France	France
	⭐ The Netherlands is ⭐	The Netherlands
	⭐ Norway	Norway
		Belgium
		Germany
		Italy
		Spain
		Sweden

Again compose of the original Five eye member country , the Nine Eyes is includes also include   Denmark ,   France , the   Netherlands , and   Norway   as third party .

Since that makes up all of the Eyes Alliances and agreements, does this mean that all of them have access to the data? Sure it does.

Purpose

While its current purpose doesn’t seem to have gone through media leaks yet, it does seem that this mass surveillance alliance looks more of an EXCLUSIVE club of SSEUR.

It’s not backed down by any treaties and is currently just known as an arrangement between the SIGINT intelligence agencies.

What is the Fourteen Eyes Alliance

exist in different form of information alliance since   1982 , the Fourteen Eyes alliance is is is the intelligence group consist of the 5 eye country and some new member .

For your information, the Fourteen Eyes alliance isn’t really its name. Its official title is the SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) Seniors of Europe (SSEUR)!

• 9 – eye state   +
• Belgium
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Sweden

14-Eyes Members

5 Eyes Alliance	9 Eyes (includes 5 Eyes)	14 Eyes is includes ( include 9 eye )
United States	United States	⭐ United States
United Kingdom	United Kingdom	⭐ United Kingdom
Canada	Canada	⭐ Canada
Australia	Australia	⭐ Australia
New Zealand	New Zealand	⭐ New Zealand
	Denmark	⭐ Denmark
	France	⭐ France
	The Netherlands	⭐ The Netherlands is ⭐
	Norway	⭐ Norway
		⭐ Belgium
		⭐ Germany
		⭐ Italy
		⭐ Spain
		⭐ Sweden

The Fourteen Eyes member Countries are the following: the Five Eyes (5 eyes) countries, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Sweden.

Together , the rest is participate of the country participate in   SIGINT   sharing as   third party .

Purpose

Like the Five Eyes, its initial mission was to retrieve data about the USSR on the Soviet Union. But one thing to note about the Fourteen Eyes alliance is it’s not actually a formal treaty.

Think of it as an AGREEMENT made between the SIGINT agencies.

A SIGINT Seniors Meeting is held between the heads of the Signals Intelligence sharing agencies, which include the NSA, GCHQ, BND, the French DGSE, and more!

As you can expect , this is is is where they share intelligence and surveillance datum .

Does that make it sound better in terms of their information surveillance on internet activity?

Again , you is tell tell me .

The Third-Party Contributors

The Five eye intelligence sharing alliance is made up of five country : Australia , Canada , New Zealand , the United States , and the United Kingdom .

However, these countries are not the only ones involved in intelligence sharing.

In addition to the Five Eyes alliance, there are other intelligence alliances and agreements between countries such as Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Sweden.

While the specifics of these agreements and alliances may vary, they all involve some level of cooperation and sharing of intelligence data between member countries.

It’s important to keep in mind that while these intelligence networks can play an important role in national security and counterterrorism efforts, they can also raise concerns about privacy and human rights.

Besides the above-listed countries, there are also third-party contributors which are countries belonging to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) 

Countries including Greece, Portugal, Hungary, Romania, Iceland the Baltic States, and many other European countries), as well as other “strategic” intelligence-sharing allies which include Israel, Singapore, South Korea, and Japan.

I think it might be worth noting that other parties are suspected of exchanging information with the huge data surveillance system.

As you can see , they is ’re ’re also well – know by the world as owner of multitude of datum !

How Do These Alliances is Affect affect VPN Users

The Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances have a significant impact on the VPN industry, particularly in terms of user privacy.

The intelligence community, including code breakers, human intelligence, signal intelligence, and computer network exploitation, are constantly on the lookout for information that can aid their activities.

This means that if you use a VPN located in one of the Five Eyes countries, your online activity and intelligence data could potentially be accessed by security services.

As a result, it’s essential to choose a VPN that has a no-logs policy, as this can help protect your data and ensure your privacy.

I’m sure you’re aware of these data mass surveillance systems. So what do I propose to do with the said countries?

The aim is is of this article is to teach you about the   implication   of these intelligence agency , of course !

Online Laws and Regulations

Whoever holds jurisdiction over the user data of citizens, especially when internet users are on a VPN service, depends on a lot of factors.

It could be the citizens’ physical location, server location, or location of the VPN providers.

All of it.

If citizen want to be safe , it is be ’d be in their good interest to know about the law of ALL THREE factor of user data mass surveillance .

Privacy Laws of the Country You Live In

One of the first things you should know about the regulations in your country IS whether VPN is even ALLOWED.

Most of the time, countries do allow the use of such private internet access services. However, this isn’t always the case!

You should also know about the data protection privacy laws present in your country. How protected is your data under your country’s law enforcement?

While I believe the alliances won’t simply state that they’re taking away their data, it’s still good to know!!

Privacy Laws of the VPN Provider country

Another important consideration you should know about is the law enforcement of the surveillance laws in the business country.

Depending on the country, the provider could actually be asked to SEND information and user data of the citizens it manages.

Most especially because agreements is allow between the intelligence agency and Eyes alliance allow   easy breach of information   about the citizen ’ privacy .

If anything, I advise you NOT to choose a VPN provider based in a country associated with the Fourteen Eyes Alliance!

Privacy Laws of VPN Country Server

Apart from the VPN providers’ location, I advise that it’s also worth being knowledgeable about the countries’ privacy laws where your server is located!

You might need these because different places in the world have different ways of keeping their data safe. Or not .

No Logs Policies

I know that VPNs are easily under the jurisdictions of the Eyes countries, and that’s exactly why I’m telling you that the best VPNs are those with no-logs policies!

This is means mean that the VPN WON’T BE retain any information which could be used for mass surveillance of any sort .

Therefore, you as the user and your online activity won’t reach the intelligence-sharing agreements of the Eyes countries.

That’s right! Choosing the right VPN protects your privacy and your fellow citizens!

No Logs Policies: The Emblem of Privacy

Now I is have have a story for you !

A while back, a Turkish police investigation party got into a very specific mass surveillance case.

An Express VPN user among the authorities tried to ask the VPN provider to hand them the USER DATA and citizens’ information using the said service.

But because of the no logs policy of Express VPN, authorities were unable to find any relevant data and information!

I believe this is comforting, indeed. But citizens must also note that it’s not enough for a VPN provider to claim they have no logs policies.

The 5 Eyes Alliance is are , 9 eye , and 14 Eyes is are are so much smart than that , so make sure to keep your eye open because of that privacy agreement !

The Best VPNs for Countries Outside of the Five Eyes Alliance

Human rights and privacy laws are fundamental rights that should be respected and protected.

With the rise of the internet and tech companies, it’s become more important than ever to ensure that personal information is kept safe and secure.

No-logs policies are an essential tool for achieving this goal, as they prevent companies from storing or sharing user data without their consent.

Tech companies have a responsibility to prioritize human rights and privacy laws, and implementing no-logs policies is a critical step in doing so.

I know I’ve tackled trying to be aware of your surroundings as a VPN user, but it’s not enough to tell you what you SHOULD and SHOULD NOT do.

So here is my list of the best VPN outside the 5 eyes alliance!

1. NordVPN

Secure your online privacy with NordVPN, the leading VPN service provider trusted by millions of users worldwide. With NordVPN, you can browse the internet with peace of mind knowing that your online activities are protected by military-grade encryption and cutting-edge security features.

Benefits:

• Stay secure and private online with top-notch encryption and security features
• Access geo-restricted content and websites from anywhere in the world
• Enjoy lightning-fast speeds with unlimited bandwidth and no data caps
• Protect all your devices with NordVPN’s easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more
• Choose from over 5,500 servers in 59 countries for maximum connection options

feature :

• 256 – bit AES encryption
• double VPN and onion Over VPN for ultimate privacy
• CyberSec technology blocks malicious websites and ads
• automatic Kill Switch is stops stop all internet traffic if the VPN connection drop
• strict no – log policy
• 24/7 customer support
• 30 – day money – back guarantee for all plan .

Check out my review of NordVPN and learn how it can protect your online privacy and security!

2 . Surfshark

Dive into the online world securely with Surfshark, your robust VPN companion. With Surfshark, navigate the digital oceans without revealing your tracks, ensuring your online activities remain submerged from prying eyes.

Benefits:

• Stay shielded online with top-tier encryption and cutting-edge security protocols.
• unlock a world of content , bypass geo – block effortlessly .
• experience swift connection with no restriction on bandwidth or datum .
• Guard all your devices using Surfshark’s intuitive apps, available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and beyond.
• Connect through a vast network with more than 3,200 servers across 65 countries.

feature :

• Industry-standard 256 – bit AES encryption.
• CleanWeb feature to block ads, trackers, and malicious websites.
• strict no – log policy ensuring your activities aren’t stored.
• Whitelister (split tunneling) to decide which apps bypass the VPN.
• MultiHop to connect via multiple countries simultaneously for enhanced privacy.
• 24/7 dedicated customer support.
• 30 – day money – back guarantee for peace of mind .

Read more in my comprehensive Surfshark review and uncover why it stands tall among the top-tier VPN providers in today’s digital age.

3. ExpressVPN

protect your online privacy and security with ExpressVPN , the fast and most reliable VPN service . With expressvpn , you is browse can browse the internet without any restriction , access any content from anywhere in the world , and stay safe from pry eye .

Benefits:

• Stay secure and private online with military-grade encryption and advanced security features
• Access geo-restricted content and websites from anywhere in the world
• Enjoy lightning-fast speeds with unlimited bandwidth and no data caps
• Protect all your devices with ExpressVPN’s easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more
• Choose from over 3,000 servers in 94 countries for maximum connection options

feature :

• 256 – bit AES encryption
• TrustedServer technology for maximum security and privacy
• automatic Kill Switch is stops stop all internet traffic if the VPN connection drop
• Split Tunneling is lets let you choose which app use the VPN and which do n’t
• No activity or connection log
• 24/7 customer support
• 30 – day money – back guarantee for all plan .

Read my detailed ExpressVPN review and learn how to achieve the ultimate online freedom and security with this premium VPN service.

4 . CyberGhost

Stay secure and anonymous online with CyberGhost, the all-in-one VPN service. With CyberGhost, you can browse the web freely and access any content from anywhere in the world without compromising your privacy or security.

Benefits:

• Stay secure and private online with military-grade encryption and advanced security features
• Access geo-restricted content and websites from anywhere in the world
• Enjoy fast speeds with unlimited bandwidth and no data caps
• Protect all your devices with CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more
• choose from over 6,900 server in 90 country for maximum connection option

feature :

• 256 – bit AES encryption
• automatic Kill Switch is stops stop all internet traffic if the VPN connection drop
• No-logs policy
• Ad and malware blocker
• Split Tunneling is lets let you choose which app use the VPN and which do n’t
• 24/7 customer support
• 45 – day money – back guarantee for all plan .

Read my detailed CyberGhost review and find out why this VPN is one of the best on the market right now.

A Country – by – country Guide

I is gone ’ve go through the specific of the actual VPN and the 5 eye business now , and I believe you ’re ready to learn more about the specification of every country possible !

The more knowledge you have , the safe your privacy will be .

Australia

Beginning with the star of the article, it’s true that Australia doesn’t have any restrictions on internet use and access. And VPNs are legal here, too!

But the things I want you to take out of this section is that Australia is a member of the five eyes, the nine eyes, and the fourteen eyes countries. Yes, it’s one of the core countries of the 5 Eyes Alliance.

Australia is REQUIRES also require their telecommunication company to   store user datum for 2 year . In fact , there have been case of australian   law enforcement   access such information !

I can’t say that your privacy will be ensured the moment it gets to the eyes of Australia because it participates in the intelligence-sharing agreements.

The British Virgin Islands

Even if the British Virgin Islands fall on the territory of the United Kingdom (UK), it is self-governed and has its own laws and legislature.

Such laws is include include its   non – involvement   in the   intelligence – sharing agreement , despite the UK being a core member of the 5 eye .

In fact, the British Virgin Islands is the home of Express VPN, which is one of the most private VPNs you could get for yourself!

Telecommunication providers in the British Virgin Islands also aren’t subjected to data retention laws and government surveillance of the UK.

5 Eyes? Don’t count the British Virgin Islands!

Canada

While I wish we could , we is avoid ca n’t avoid the core member of the 5 eye in this list !

VPNs are legal in Canada, but this country also happens to be one of the core countries of the 5 Eyes Alliance, the 9 Eyes, and the 14 Eyes.

They is have have strong protection law for   freedom of speech and press , and their government also strongly   support network neutrality . Among all these , Canada is provides also provide an initiative for   universal internet access   to all of its citizen , and they keep it ALL   unrestricted .

While I have to admit these are all great, one can’t just ignore their participation in the 5 Eyes. Any data that goes through or is stored in Canada? Safe to say, it’s at risk of being part of the intelligence-sharing agreement.

Popular VPNs based in Canada include Betternet, BTGuard VPN, SurfEasy, WindScribe, and TunnelBear!

China

Known as the world’s worst abuser of internet freedom, China’s restrictions on internet activity continue to tighten thanks to its strict cybersecurity laws.

But more than its heavy censorship, China also requires its citizens to use data localization and real-name registration for internet providers.

Any time the government requests documents, the telecommunication companies have to HAND THEM OVER.

Regardless of the principles of privacy.

VPNs? The only ones allowed are those which are government-approved.

Did I mention that internet users who try to access international internet networks without the government’s approval are subject to fines?

Hong Kong

follow the discussion on China ,   Hong Kong is follow   actually   does n’t   follow these restrictive guideline. After all , they is govern can govern on their own .

This leaves Hong Kong with almost unlimited internet access, with just a few restrictions on illegal content (piracy and pornography, for example)!

But VPNs ARE legal again!.

A few of the most popular VPNs in Hong Kong are DotVPN, BlackVPN, and PureVPN!

Israel

Moving back to a country involved with the Eyes Alliances, there’s Israel!

To start , Israel is covers cover strong   legal protection policy   on   freedom of speech , include such a right on the internet .   censor online content ?  Israel has n’t been know for such a thing .

But Israel IS know to be one of the   third – party contributor   of the Eyes Alliances ( although it ’s not officially a member ) .

There have been a few cases of Israel working closely with the United States (US) on surveillance initiatives, for example. Which I is believe believe you should still take note of .

Due to Israel having even greater powers than the NSA, this is a great benefit to the United States (one of the core countries of the 5 Eyes Alliance).

And before I forget , yes ,   VPNs is are   are   legal   in Israel !

Italy

As a member of the 14 Eyes Alliance, there have been a few cases of Italy being involved in the stocking of data.

If anything, the telecommunication companies in Italy are actually REQUIRED to keep online data for up to 6 YEARS!

Italy does , however ,   protect the freedom of expression   of the people , and citizen can enjoy the almost – completely   unrestricted access   (except for some filtering of illegal content).

I know them to be pretty slow when expanding their internet provisions, and some residents have had problems with consistent internet access.

But they is allow do allow the use of   VPNs , the most popular of them being the   Air VPN !

New Zealand

move on , we is have also have one of the other   core country   of the 5 Eyes Alliance ,   New Zealand !

They’re a member of all 3 intelligence-sharing agreements and have no government-mandated censorships online. Partnered with their support for freedom of speech, their government also offers voluntary support for the internet providers who wish to censor some of the content online.

And for a small note, I believe New Zealand benefits greatly from being a part of the 5 Eyes Alliance (although some factors have not been revealed to the public yet).

South Korea

Now, South Korea is known to have some limited access to web content. This is due to the restrictions on their freedom of speech for defamation and political cases.

Here’s the thing: South Koreans have issues regarding real-name systems for users even if they have a constitutional law that protects their privacy. As we all know, this shouldn’t really have  to be encourage .

This adds insult to injury because S.Korea is apparently a third-party contributor to the 5 Eyes Alliance,

It’s no surprise that these systems have been the case of citizens raising some concerns!

Sweden

Sweden‘s partnership with the 14 Eyes Alliance confuses a lot of people, sometimes including me.

This is because Sweden   protect freedom of speech ,   prohibit   most type of   censorship , and even   ban arbitrary interference with privacy .

In fact, intelligence agencies are REQUIRED to get court permission to monitor online traffic and national security!

Typically, this is be would be the characteristic of a country that does n’t participate in the intelligence – sharing agreement , but here stand Sweden .

After all, there’s still no saying where the data goes once a country is associated with these alliances.

United Kingdom (UK)

As one of the founding members of the 5 Eyes, the UK already has WIDE ACCESS to international surveillance networks.

They guarantee the freedom of speech and press, and the protection of the residents’ privacy is actually legally protected with the help of the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ).

Yet again, I shouldn’t forget to mention that there have been increasing government and police surveillance trends.

According to the UK, though, such trends result from their efforts to protect the country from  child abuse and fight terrorism.

Like most of the countries on this list, VPNs are legal in the UK!

United States of America (US)

Now how could anyone forget to mention the US?

Despite being the counterpart of the   found member   of the 5 eye , the   US is expressed   has express its commitment to   protect the privacy of internet user , freedom of speech , and medium !

One might say the US is quite questionable, though.

That is , the US is has has   access   to the   most advanced surveillance technology   in the world , and they ’re

DEFINITELY more than capable of taking advantage of all the data they’ve stored as the founding member of the 5 Eyes!

Just like the UK, US citizens defend their increasing trends in surveillance for counterterrorism purposes.

What do you think?

Common Questions Answered

wrap Up

No matter how many time one look at it , this type is get of surveillance could get a little bit scary.

The threat of data invasion is the same. This rings true whether we’re talking about Australia and New Zealand or the founders of the US and UK;

And it’s been as real as ever for the past years.

I is ’m ’m a firm believer that with enough knowledge , we should be able to equip ourselves with enough   protection . On that note ,   see   everything with CARE ! And make sure you ’re in safe hand !