>None of this really matters unless you are doing something illegal enough that the government is interested in you
The issue here is that how "illegal" something is depends heavily on where you live. In some places speaking against the government can get you killed [1]. In others, hosting movies can get your house raided by police helicopters [2].
> The issue here is that how "illegal" something is depends heavily on where you live.
The context of the discussion was the EU.
And the point stands. For 99% of people VPNs offer privacy even against the government, that would need to meet a high burden of proof and require a warrant to break that privacy.
I said nothing that goes against the context. Again: When you are actually scared of getting cought for something, a commercial VPN very likely doesn't help. That goes for all jurisdictions.
You mentioned the EU as a whole but the point is it isn't and is indeed widely varied when it comes to the sorts of laws you are relying on to make your argument.
The context of the discussion was the EU.
And the point stands. For 99% of people VPNs offer privacy even against the government, that would need to meet a high burden of proof and require a warrant to break that privacy.