VPNSecure Cancels Lifetime Subscriptions: A Betrayal of Trust?
The VPN landscape is reeling from a controversial decision by VPNSecure's new owners. After acquiring the service in 2023, they've canceled all lifetime subscriptions, sparking outrage and accusations of a broken promise. Customers who believed they had secured a lifetime of online security are now facing unexpected costs and a sense of betrayal. Why did this happen, and what does it mean for the future of VPN services?
According to reports, the new owners, InfiniteQuant Ltd, claim they were unaware of the extent of existing lifetime subscriptions when they purchased VPNSecure. A key point of contention is that the “asset only deal” didn't include the liabilities associated with these subscriptions. VPNSecure states the subscriptions were sold through platforms like StackSocial, and that they only discovered the full extent of the financial burden months after the acquisition.
“Unfortunately, the previous owner did not disclose that thousands of Lifetime Deals (LTDs) had been sold through platforms like StackSocial,” VPNSecure stated, continuing that these accounts “provided no sustaining income to help us improve and maintain the service.”
This explanation hasn't quelled the anger of affected users. Online forums, including Reddit, are filled with complaints about the sudden cancellation. Many users feel deceived, having relied on the promise of a one-time purchase for long-term VPN access.
VPNSecure is attempting to mitigate the damage by offering discounted subscriptions to affected users. These deals, available until May 31, include options like $1.87 for a month, $19 for a year, or $55 for three years. However, many users remain unconvinced, viewing these offers as insufficient compensation for the broken promise. As one user on Reddit put it, "I thought I was set for life, now I'm back to square one."
Adding another layer of complexity, InfiniteQuant Ltd has denied any affiliation with VPNSecure, leaving the true ownership unclear. This has further fueled suspicion and distrust among users. TechRadar reported that InfiniteQuant Ltd filed a formal complaint with VPNSecure, without receiving a response. Ars Technica independently verified that InfiniteQuant Ltd is a different entity than InfiniteQuant Capital Ltd.
Some users reported issues with their lifetime subscriptions as early as May 2023, coinciding with the change in ownership. While VPNSecure's support team began responding to comments on Trustpilot in late April, the damage to the company's reputation may already be done. The controversy raises serious questions about the viability and ethics of lifetime deals in the VPN industry.
Did VPNSecure's new owners act in bad faith? Or were they genuinely unaware of the financial implications of the lifetime subscriptions? Whether it's a case of negligence, miscommunication, or something more sinister, the VPNSecure situation serves as a cautionary tale for both VPN providers and consumers. One potential solution is for companies to avoid lifetime deals, like VPNSecure has pledged to do. “We never offered them, and we never will,” the company wrote in an email.
What are your thoughts on VPNSecure's decision? Have you ever purchased a lifetime subscription for a service, only to have it canceled? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.