IPVanish on Quantum-Ready Privacy, AI Innovation, and Building a Unified Digital Safety Suite

For nearly two decades, IPVanish has positioned itself as one of the most user-focused VPN providers, building a reputation around transparency, security innovation, and adaptability. From pioneering the first Apple TV VPN app to advancing router-level protection and WireGuard integration, the service has consistently pushed to make privacy accessible across every device in the household.

In this exclusive Q&A, we spoke with Subbu Sthanu, Chief Commercial Officer at IPVanish, about how the company is evolving to meet the rising challenges of post-quantum cryptography, AI-driven personalization, and global regulatory pressures. He also shared insights into IPVanish’s vision for a unified privacy suite, its push toward smarter automation, and why “privacy without compromise” remains non-negotiable in the face of new surveillance and compliance demands.

Read on to learn how IPVanish is preparing for the future of online security, balancing everyday usability with cutting-edge research, and why the company sees VPNs as the backbone of responsible digital citizenship in the years ahead.

1. IPVanish pioneered the Apple TV VPN app and expanded its Fire TV Kill Switch, leading the charge in platform-native VPN experiences. As device ecosystems continue to fragment, do you, as the Chief Commercial Officer, envision IPVanish evolving into a privacy layer for IoT and edge devices, or will the focus remain on optimizing core apps across traditional operating systems?

Our mission is to safeguard the entire digital household, extending robust protection to IoT and edge devices even as complexity grows. IPVanish already delivers comprehensive router-level security, and our WireGuard config generator simplifies setup across all connected devices. As ecosystems rapidly evolve, we are committed to relentless adaptation, ensuring broad, seamless protection against every emerging threat.

2. The Password Generator ensures strong credentials today. Are there plans to integrate it into a broader secure identity toolkit, perhaps including passkey support, passwordless login, or data breach detection, as credential-based attacks continue to rise?

Absolutely, the focus is on a holistic secure identity toolkit, commencing with critical Dark Web Monitoring. Passkey support and passwordless login are not merely on our roadmap; they are integral components of our strategic development to combat the rising tide of credential-based attacks.

3. Are you experimenting with AI for user experience, such as onboarding personalization, VPN usage coaching, or context-aware server recommendations, to simplify security for less technical users?

User experience is an important part of our strategic roadmap. While not solely AI-driven, these initiatives leverage both intelligent automation and user feedback to simplify setup, reduce friction, and empower users to connect securely without needing technical expertise. We’re committed to making privacy effortless for everyone.

4. IPVanish’s Double Hop VPN currently routes traffic through two servers for added privacy. Are you exploring user-defined routing, such as selecting based on trust zones, regional laws, or risk levels, especially with rising geopolitical surveillance in areas like Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe?

Choice and flexibility are core to our approach. Unlike most competitors, IPVanish’s Double Hop uniquely empowers users to choose both locations through which their connection is routed. Rather than enforce predetermined paths, like many competitors offer.

5. Are there any accessibility-focused features under development, such as AI voice assistance for mobile security tools or simplified dashboards for users in regions with lower digital literacy?

Accessibility matters deeply to us. We're actively exploring how AI and smarter design can simplify security tools for a broader range of users.

6. IPVanish supports industry-leading protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. With NIST finalizing post-quantum cryptographic standards, are you testing hybrid encryption algorithms or building a migration plan for power users and enterprise partners?

Post-quantum readiness is already a significant focus in the R&D lab. We’re exploring hybrid encryption approaches for both WireGuard and OpenVPN to ensure a smooth transition as standards evolve.

7. You’ve integrated key privacy tools like the QR Code Checker directly into the mobile app. Is there a broader vision to evolve IPVanish into a unified privacy suite or ‘digital safety OS,’ akin to a MonoDefense-style ecosystem? How would you explain its usability to not-so-tech-savvy people?

Absolutely. IPVanish already unifies VPN, secure browsing, threat detection, eSIM connectivity, and cloud backup under one subscription. Our vision is a “single pane of glass” experience -- one dashboard that gives every user, regardless of technical background, a complete view of their digital safety. One app, total control over your privacy.

8. Your Split Tunneling feature, by app and domain, is quite powerful. Could we see an upgrade to machine-learning-based tunneling, where IPVanish routes traffic dynamically based on app behavior, risk level, or location context?

We prioritize user control above all, but we’re also investing in R&D around intelligent routing. Machine-learning-based tunneling could help adapt traffic flows in real time based on risk, location, or app behavior. Any launch would be fully transparent and optional, giving users the final say.

9. IPVanish already employs DNS Leak Protection. Could this infrastructure be a launch point for testing quantum-resistant DNS handling or secure inter-server key exchanges as part of future-proofing your cryptographic stack?

We’re committed to staying ahead of tomorrow’s threats today. IPVanish is actively developing quantum-resistant solutions, including DNS handling and inter-server key exchanges, as part of our future-proofing efforts. Our dedicated R&D team is building custom implementations rather than relying on off-the-shelf patches.

10. With shared IPs enhancing anonymity, are there roadmap items focused on adding residential IP pools or rotating IP intelligence, particularly to improve compatibility or address other challenges with streaming services, fintech apps, or overzealous geo-blocking?

Improving access while preserving privacy is a balancing act. We’re advancing rotating IP intelligence to improve compatibility with 3rd party services that depend on IP reputation. However, unlike some providers, we will not adopt residential IP models that compromise user control or require metadata logging. Our north star is always protection without sacrifice.

11. QR code phishing (quishing) attacks are increasing, especially targeting mobile users. How do you plan to evolve the QR Code Checker, perhaps with browser/email integrations or AI-based threat detection that leverages real-time detection? 

IPVanish is the only top-tier VPN provider to offer a QR Code Checker, which, like our Link Checker, is already powered by an award-winning AI engine with real-time threat detection. This goes beyond most similar web services that rely on static blacklists.

We scan each link in a secure cloud environment to detect malicious scripts, behaviors, and phishing attempts in real time. IPVanish is at the forefront of safe browsing innovation, with our industry-first Secure Browser elevating link protection and browsing to a new level. 

12. Given the rise of man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks over public Wi-Fi, how are you enhancing Kill Switch reliability and exploring automatic detection of rogue access points to ensure session security for travelers and remote workers?

Travelers and remote workers can count on uninterrupted protection, anywhere in the world. Our Kill Switch is engineered for resilience across platforms and is continuously stress-tested for reliability. Next, we’re advancing detection of rogue Wi-Fi networks so users remain secure even on hostile or spoofed access points.

13. Your global network of over 2,400 servers provides robust coverage. Are you working on any edge-based scaling approaches or dynamic geo-routing based on local censorship triggers, especially for users in volatile regions like Belarus or Myanmar?

We’re focused on densifying our network to improve speed and access and have already expanded to over 3,100 servers this year, strategically scaling in high-demand and high-risk regions. Our innovation pipeline includes dynamic routing to counteract censorship triggers, ensuring users in volatile regions can reliably connect to a free and open internet.

14. The Automatic Startup feature secures users the moment they connect to the internet. Is there potential to add location-aware or device-specific VPN activation, such as auto-start only on public Wi-Fi or when using unsecured apps?

It already has! Our On-Demand feature lets users create rules by Wi-Fi network, app, or domain, so VPN protection automatically adapts to real-world context. It’s like setting your own autopilot for privacy.

15. Your VPN Shortcuts feature improves user convenience. Will IPVanish expand this into contextual automation, for example, offering pre-set profiles for travelers, streamers, journalists, or remote workers?

Ease of use is a key focus area on our roadmap. We’re developing scenario-based profiles that streamline recurring tasks. We will share more information about this innovation in the coming months. We believe your VPN should adapt to your life, not the other way around.

16. Given subscription fatigue across the industry, is IPVanish considering alternative pricing models, such as usage-based tiers, AI-augmented freemium versions, or crypto/token-based privacy credits for decentralized access?

No, we prefer to keep pricing straightforward and transparent. Unlike experimental freemium models that often compromise privacy, IPVanish pricing ensures predictable value and protection for every user.

17. With the inclusion of Security Tools like Link Checker and Internet Speed Tester, are you looking to evolve IPVanish into a ‘privacy productivity suite’, possibly adding encrypted messaging, threat reports, or AI-based digital hygiene metrics?

We build what matters most to our customers. We’ve already integrated tools like Link Checker and Internet Speed Tester based on customer demand, and we’re evaluating additional privacy productivity features in our R&D Lab. While we can’t share specifics yet, your suggestions align with ideas already under discussion. Expansion will continue to follow user priorities surfaced through our Ideas Portal.

18. IPVanish holds VPN Trust Initiative accreditation. Are you planning to publish transparency reports, post-quantum readiness updates, or AI ethics policies to deepen user trust?

We already publish quarterly transparency reports in our Trust Center—the latest in July 2025—and recently completed another third-party audit confirming our strict no-logs policy. We’re also preparing to publish post-quantum readiness updates and AI policies as part of our roadmap. Trust can’t be claimed, it’s earned through continuous proof—and we’ll keep proving it.

19. As data localization laws and lawful access proposals emerge globally, how will IPVanish preserve its no-logs policy, especially in regions like the EU and Five Eyes jurisdictions?

Our stance is uncompromising: we never sacrifice privacy for compliance. Where laws conflict with our no-logs commitment, we withdraw physical servers and deploy alternative architectures such as virtual or RAM-only servers. Privacy without compromise is a non-negotiable.

20. What experimental or R&D efforts are currently in the works, whether in quantum-ready VPN design, predictive AI threat alerts, or adaptive kill switches, that hint at the future direction of IPVanish?

IPVanish is dedicated to continually improving our software and backend platforms, with numerous new technologies being developed in our R&D Lab. This includes enhancements in post-quantum cryptography, server management, and intuitive design, among other features.

While details will be shared in due course, our development is guided by one priority: delivering the most advanced consumer privacy and security solutions in the industry.

21. For users navigating today’s privacy minefield, VPN bans, biometric surveillance, and data leaks, what are your top three best practices to use VPNs responsibly, especially in 2025 and beyond?

1. Keep it automatic. Your VPN can’t protect you if you forget to turn it on. Use On-Demand rules or auto-connect features to stay secure by default.
2. Go for flexibility. A strong VPN app should let you customize your experience, from choosing specific servers to setting smart rules.
3. Demand transparency. Pick providers that not only publish audits but also write clear, honest privacy policies. Look at what happens to your data even after you cancel—those details matter.

Remember, not all VPNs are alike. Responsible, premium providers back up their promises with audits and transparency, while free ones too often trade your privacy for profit.