Detailed NordVPN Review 2026 for Streaming and Online Security

NordVPN Server Network and Locations

• Ranks second for global coverage, with servers in 137 countries.

• Leads in total locations, boasting 211 global server spots.

• A global network backed by roughly 8,000 RAM-only servers.

NordVPN stands out for offering one of the broadest ranges of server locations in the VPN market today. With coverage spanning over 130+ countries, it rivals top competitors like Proton VPN, which leads slightly in total country count, but still maintains a highly competitive global footprint. 

Its regional distribution is equally impressive. North America is especially well-covered, with more server locations than most VPN providers. Europe also sees strong representation, second only to newer competitors like NymVPN, while Africa and Asia continue to expand steadily. NordVPN also performs strongly in South America and Oceania, ensuring users can find reliable connections in less commonly served regions.

To further extend its reach, NordVPN includes dozens of virtual server locations. These are particularly useful in countries where physical servers are difficult to maintain due to infrastructure or regulatory restrictions. For travelers or users in regions with strict internet controls, this provides a more stable and secure way to access global content without compromising performance.

Like other premium VPN providers, NordVPN operates on RAM-only server technology. This approach ensures that no user data is ever stored long-term, as all information is wiped with every reboot. Beyond security benefits, RAM-based servers also contribute to better speed, lower latency, and improved energy efficiency making them a modern standard in the VPN industry.

This robust infrastructure allows NordVPN to support advanced features such as P2P file sharing, multi-hop connections for added privacy, and Meshnet functionality, all without noticeable slowdowns. The network is built to handle high-demand usage scenarios while maintaining consistent performance.

Interestingly, in 2025, NordVPN shifted its messaging by emphasizing that the total number of servers is less important than overall network quality and coverage. As a result, the company no longer highlights an exact server count, focusing instead on reliability, speed, and global accessibility as its key strengths.

Credit: Michael Olisa

NordVPN continues to position itself as a premium VPN provider with a well-balanced network that prioritizes performance, privacy, and global accessibility over sheer server count. While competitors like Surfshark operate roughly 4,500 servers and Proton VPN exceeds 15,000, NordVPN is estimated to run more than 8,000 servers worldwide comfortably above the industry average, even if it doesn’t lead in total numbers.

Ultimately, while NordVPN may not claim the highest server count on paper, it delivers where it matters most: reliability, speed, and global reach. With plenty of server locations, minimal congestion, and advanced infrastructure, it remains one of the most dependable VPN choices available today and a strong contender for anyone seeking a high-performance, secure VPN service.

How NordVPN Stacks Up Against the Competition

A few things stand out. Surfshark undercuts everyone on price and offers unlimited devices, but its streaming consistency and long-distance speeds trail NordVPN in real-world testing. Proton VPN leads on transparency with open-source apps and a larger server network, but NordVPN pulls ahead on post-quantum encryption and streaming reliability. ExpressVPN charges a premium without clearly outperforming NordVPN in most categories.

For users who prioritize streaming, gaming performance, and a polished app experience, NordVPN justifies its position in the mid-to-premium tier.

NordVPN Privacy and No-Logs Policy

• Powerful, privacy-focused protocols including NordLynx and NordWhisper.

• Double VPN and Onion over VPN enhance privacy and anonymity.

• Tapjacking protection is a useful added feature for Android users.

NordVPN builds its reputation on a strict no-logs policy, and it doesn’t just ask users to take that on faith. The policy has been independently audited multiple times, including a recent review by Deloitte in late 2025. 

While the policy itself is detailed and not exactly light reading, it thoroughly addresses all the key privacy concerns. From browsing activity to connection logs, NordVPN makes it clear that no identifiable user data is retained. The only minimal data involved relates to enforcing its 10-device limit. Even then, the service temporarily uses basic session data, like a username and timestamp strictly to manage active connections, and deletes it automatically within minutes after a session ends.

On the technical side, NordVPN continues to innovate with its privacy-focused protocols. One standout is NordWhisper, introduced in 2025 and inspired by technology from the Tor Project. This protocol disguises VPN traffic as standard HTTPS traffic, making it far harder for networks or governments to detect VPN usage. That makes it especially useful in countries with strict internet censorship or where VPN use is restricted.

For everyday use, NordVPN offers a full range of trusted protocol options. OpenVPN is available in both TCP and UDP formats, TCP prioritizes stability for tasks like browsing and email, while UDP is optimized for speed, making it ideal for streaming or gaming. This flexibility ensures users can tailor their connection based on their needs.

In addition, NordVPN’s proprietary NordLynx protocol enhances performance without compromising privacy. Built around WireGuard, NordLynx integrates a double NAT (Network Address Translation) system that eliminates the privacy concerns typically associated with WireGuard. The result is a fast, secure connection that doesn’t store identifiable user data, even temporarily.

Altogether, NordVPN combines audited transparency, advanced encryption protocols, and innovative privacy technology to deliver a highly secure VPN experience. Whether you’re focused on anonymity, bypassing restrictions, or simply protecting your data online, its privacy infrastructure is among the most robust in the industry.

Credit: Michael Olisa

If you’re looking for a VPN that combines cutting-edge technology with consistent real-world results, NordVPN remains one of the smartest long-term choices available.

NordVPN Security Features and Encryption

• Advanced encryption backed by cutting-edge post-quantum security.

• Threat Protection Pro effectively blocks malware and phishing websites.

• Extensive options for detailed security customization.

NordVPN sets a high standard for VPN security. 

Combining proven encryption methods with forward-thinking technology designed to withstand future threats. Its OpenVPN implementation uses AES-256-GCM encryption alongside a 4096-bit Diffie-Hellman key and TLS 1.3, delivering enterprise-grade protection that keeps your data secure whether you’re browsing at home or connected to public Wi-Fi.

For users who want both speed and security, NordLynx NordVPN’s WireGuard-based protocol, offers an ideal balance. It leverages ChaCha20 encryption with Poly1305 authentication, ensuring fast, lightweight performance without sacrificing protection. This makes it a strong choice for streaming, gaming, and everyday browsing where both speed and privacy matter.

One of NordVPN’s biggest advantages is its early adoption of post-quantum encryption. While competitors like Proton VPN and Surfshark are still in early stages or yet to roll it out fully, NordVPN already integrates quantum-resistant technology into NordLynx. This helps protect against emerging risks like “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks, where encrypted data is stored today and cracked in the future using more powerful computing.

It’s worth noting that post-quantum protection currently works only with NordLynx. Features like Meshnet, obfuscated servers, or dedicated IP options may require switching protocols, but the process is quick and user-friendly. This flexibility allows users to prioritize either advanced security or specific features depending on their needs.

Overall, NordVPN delivers a powerful mix of cutting-edge encryption, high-speed performance, and future-ready security. For anyone serious about protecting their online privacy, it remains one of the most advanced and reliable VPN solutions available today built not just for current threats, but for what’s coming next.

Credit: Michael Olisa

NordVPN is widely recognized for its powerful security features, but a closer look reveals a few usability trade-offs—especially when comparing performance across different platforms. While the core protection remains strong, the overall experience can vary depending on the device you’re using.

One of the most noticeable differences appears with the kill switch feature. On desktop platforms like Windows and macOS, users have full control and can easily toggle the kill switch on or off as needed. On Android, however, the system-level kill switch forces a constant VPN connection, cutting off internet access entirely if the VPN drops. While this setup maximizes security, it can feel overly restrictive for users who prefer flexibility in when and how they use a VPN.

Another area where inconsistencies show up is split tunneling. On Windows, NordVPN offers the most advanced implementation, allowing users to decide which apps route through the VPN and which connect normally. Android users get a more limited version, while Apple devices typically don’t support split tunneling at all due to platform-level restrictions. Competing services like Surfshark and Proton VPN currently offer more balanced functionality across mobile platforms, giving them a slight edge in flexibility.

When it comes to bypassing censorship, NordVPN includes both obfuscated servers and its newer stealth-focused technologies. These are designed to disguise VPN traffic and help users access the open internet in restricted regions. However, availability can be inconsistent. Obfuscated servers are limited to select locations and only work with specific protocols, meaning users may need to manually adjust settings to access them particularly on Apple devices, where these options aren’t always visible by default.

Advanced privacy features like Onion-over-VPN add another layer of anonymity by combining VPN encryption with access to the Tor network. While this is a valuable tool for high-privacy scenarios, server availability is limited compared to competitors, which can impact performance. Fewer locations often translate to slower speeds, especially when combined with the already intensive nature of Tor-based connections.

NordVPN also includes Double VPN, its version of multi-hop routing, which encrypts traffic twice for added security. While effective, it offers less customization than some alternatives, as users can’t manually select both entry and exit servers. In comparison, providers like Surfshark offer more control, allowing for a more tailored privacy setup.

Beyond the VPN itself, NordVPN adds extra value with features like Threat Protection and Threat Protection Pro. These tools help block ads, trackers, phishing attempts, and malicious downloads. However, it’s important to note that they are not full antivirus solutions. They don’t scan or remove existing malware, and the most advanced protections are currently limited to desktop devices.

NordVPN combines top-tier security with a wide range of advanced features, but its user experience isn’t entirely uniform across platforms. Desktop users benefit the most from its full capabilities, while mobile and Apple users may encounter a few limitations. Even so, its strong encryption, privacy-first design, and continuous innovation make it one of the most reliable VPN services available today—and a solid choice for anyone serious about online security.

Credit: Michael Olisa

NordVPN continues to stand out with its Threat Protection Pro, offering one of the most advanced security features built into a VPN. In testing scenarios against newly created phishing and malware websites, it demonstrated strong effectiveness by blocking the majority of threats making it a top performer among VPN-based protection tools.

Even so, it’s important to understand its role within a broader security setup. While Threat Protection Pro adds meaningful layers of defense, it doesn’t fully replace dedicated antivirus solutions. Well-known providers like Avast and other best antivirus software options still lead when it comes to deep system protection, including real-time scanning and malware removal.

For that reason, many users choose to combine a VPN with a trusted antivirus program. This approach ensures both secure internet connections and full device protection. NordVPN handles encryption, privacy, and web-based threats, while antivirus software focuses on detecting and eliminating risks already present on your system.

What makes NordVPN especially appealing is its ongoing development. Threat Protection Pro continues to expand with features like phishing detection, malicious download blocking, safer browsing indicators, and additional security tools designed to enhance everyday online safety.

NordVPN Speed Test Results

• NordVPN is still one of the fastest VPNs with WireGuard.

• Low latency ensures a smooth gaming VPN experience

• OpenVPN showed slower speeds in the latest tests

NordVPN continues to deliver impressive real-world performance, especially with its NordLynx protocol. In recent high-speed testing using a 10 Gbps connection, NordLynx reached speeds of around 1249 Mbps showing excellent consistency compared to earlier results. While this places it slightly behind competitors like Proton VPN and Surfshark using WireGuard, as well as ExpressVPN with its Lightway Turbo protocol, the difference is minimal in everyday use.

It’s also worth noting that Lightway Turbo’s higher peak speeds are limited to specific platforms and may cause compatibility issues with certain websites or games. In contrast, NordLynx offers a more stable and widely supported experience, making it a better fit for most users who value reliability over marginal speed gains.

Where NordVPN truly excels is in gaming performance. With ultra-low latency recorded at just 7.2 ms and jitter as low as 2.4 ms when connected to nearby servers, it delivers smooth, responsive gameplay. Low latency helps eliminate lag, while minimal jitter ensures a stable connection both critical factors for competitive and online gaming.

Although ExpressVPN may edge ahead slightly in latency, NordVPN remains one of the most balanced options overall. Combined with strong jitter performance on par with Surfshark it stands out as one of the best VPN gamers who want speed, stability, and consistent performance across different servers.

Credit: Michael Olisa

NordVPN still performs well overall, but long-distance speeds show a more mixed picture. When connecting from the UK to US servers, NordLynx reached around 688 Mbps, noticeably lower than Proton VPN, which delivered over 1200 Mbps, and ExpressVPN with its faster Lightway Turbo results. Only Surfshark came in slower in this scenario.

That said, speed isn’t the full story. NordVPN continues to excel in latency and jitter, even across long distances. This makes it a strong choice for gaming, streaming, and other real-time activities where stability matters more than raw download speed. You’re far less likely to experience lag spikes or stuttering, even when connected to overseas servers.

Another major improvement is consistency. Recent testing shows NordLynx delivering far more stable results throughout the day, with only minor speed fluctuations between peak and off-peak hours. This is a big step forward compared to earlier tests, where performance could vary significantly depending on timing.

On the downside, OpenVPN performance has dipped, falling behind competitors like Surfshark and ExpressVPN in raw speed benchmarks. However, for most users, these differences are relatively small in real-world use especially if you’re using NordLynx, which remains the better option for speed and reliability.

Overall, while NordVPN may not always top the charts for long-distance speeds, it balances performance, stability, and consistency extremely well making it a dependable choice for everyday use, especially for gamers and global streaming.

Performance

• Only had issues with two streaming services in testing.

• No unwanted CAPTCHAs or connection drops.

• All VPN servers support high-quality streaming.

NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for streaming, offering fast and reliable access to popular platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube, as well as regional services such as BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Most content loads smoothly without buffering, CAPTCHAs, or connection drops, ensuring a seamless viewing experience.

Compared to competitors like Proton VPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark, NordVPN delivers more consistent results across regions. Its built-in ad-blocking feature also works effectively without breaking ad-supported streaming services—something many VPNs struggle with.

With all servers optimized for streaming, users can connect quickly without searching for specific locations. This combination of speed, stability, and compatibility makes NordVPN a top choice for unlocking global streaming content with ease.

STREAMING  Platform-by-Platform Breakdown

Netflix access across multiple regions is one of NordVPN's strongest suits. Unlike some VPNs that only reliably unblock one or two Netflix libraries, NordVPN handles US, UK, Japan, and several other regions without much effort. Amazon Prime Video is also notably more consistent here than with competitors like Proton VPN, where results can vary by server.

The only platform that gave inconsistent results was DAZN, which aggressively blocks VPN connections regardless of provider. If DAZN is your primary streaming service, no VPN handles it perfectly — but NordVPN is as good as any at getting through when it does work.

One thing worth noting: NordVPN's built-in ad blocker is well-calibrated for streaming. Unlike some VPN ad blockers that break ad-supported platforms by stripping too aggressively, NordVPN's implementation tends to play nicely with streaming services — a small but genuinely useful difference in day-to-day use.

P2P and Torrenting Support

• The majority of servers support P2P traffic.

• Step-by-step guides for beginners.

• Does not include port forwarding features.

NordVPN is one of the best VPNs for torrenting, offering fast, secure, and reliable P2P performance across nearly its entire server network. Dedicated P2P servers are easy to access within the app, and you can instantly connect to the fastest available option for optimal download speeds.

Performance is a key strength. With high-speed protocols like NordLynx, your torrenting experience is typically limited by peer availability not the VPN itself. In real-world use with clients like uTorrent and qBittorrent, connections remain stable, private, and free from ISP throttling or warnings.

From a security standpoint, NordVPN uses strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy to keep your activity anonymous. Like most top-tier VPN services, it does not support port forwarding due to potential security risks but this trade-off helps maintain a safer environment for users.

For beginners, NordVPN also provides easy-to-follow setup guides for popular torrent clients like BitTorrent, uTorrent, qBittorrent making it simple to get started.

Overall, if you're looking for a fast, secure, and beginner-friendly VPN for torrenting, NordVPN stands out as a top-tier choice for users who want both performance and privacy.

Compatibility

• Easy setup—just remember to turn off auto-renewal.

• Similar experience on all major apps.

• Reducing map usage significantly boosts performance.

NordVPN delivers a clean, consistent app experience across almost every platform, making it one of the most user-friendly VPNs available today. Whether you’re on desktop, mobile, or browser extensions like Google Chrome, the interface feels familiar and easy to navigate ideal for both beginners and experienced users.

The design has improved significantly, with a more streamlined layout that gives quick access to key features like specialty servers, Meshnet, and built-in security tools. The removal of the old interactive map on desktop helps free up space, making everything faster and more accessible, while mobile apps still keep a simplified version for quick server selection.

Performance and usability go hand in hand here. Features like auto-connect, kill switch, and split tunneling are easy to manage, and even the browser extension includes useful extras like location spoofing. While some advanced settings, such as protocol selection are tucked into menus, the overall experience remains smooth and intuitive.

There are a few minor drawbacks. Search functionality could be more advanced, and certain actions, like disconnecting, now take an extra step. Some features are also limited depending on the device, which is common across most VPN protocols.

Usability 

• NordVPN has a highly accessible and user-friendly website.

• Doesn’t offer many language options.

• Keyboard navigation isn’t fully optimized.

NordVPN delivers a solid overall user experience, but its accessibility still has room for improvement. Basic navigation and interaction work well, though some minor issues appear in screen reader compatibility and visual contrast. In most cases, text visibility improves with interaction, but stronger default contrast would make the interface more accessible for all users.

On the positive side, NordVPN supports a wide range of languages, over a dozen options including English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. However, it still falls behind competitors like Norton and Proton VPN, which offer broader language support. Expanding this area would make NordVPN more accessible to a global audience.

Keyboard navigation is another area that could use refinement. While connecting to recently used servers is manageable, navigating the full app without a mouse can be challenging. Compared to providers like Private Internet Access, which offers smoother keyboard control, NordVPN feels less optimized for accessibility-focused users.

Overall, NordVPN remains easy to use for most people, but improving accessibility features like keyboard navigation, language options, and visual clarity would elevate its user experience even further.

Accessibility

• Highly accessible VPN website experience.

• Average multi-language support.

• Keyboard navigation could be more optimized.

When taking a closer look at accessibility, NordVPN delivers a strong first impression, especially on its website. But once you move into the apps, the experience becomes a bit more uneven.

Let’s start with the good news.

NordVPN’s website scored 83% in an accessibility audit, which puts it among the most accessible VPN websites available right now. That’s a big deal in an industry where many providers still struggle with basic usability. Navigation feels smooth, pages are structured clearly, and interacting with menus or links is straightforward. If you’re searching for a VPN with an accessible and easy-to-use website, NordVPN is easily one of the top contenders.

There are a few minor issues, but nothing that breaks the experience. One small screen reader issue showed up, and some contrast warnings were flagged. In practice, though, these didn’t create serious problems—most content remained readable and usable without frustration.

Now, shifting to the apps, things start to feel more average.

NordVPN offers 13 languages, covering the essentials like English, French, German, Japanese, and Chinese. That’s perfectly fine for most users, but it’s not industry-leading. If having a multi-language VPN with broader global support matters to you, there are providers that go further.

Where NordVPN really falls short is keyboard navigation.

Using the desktop app without a mouse feels limiting. Basic actions, like reconnecting to a recent server, work fine, but anything beyond that takes effort. Navigating the full server list or accessing advanced features isn’t as intuitive as it should be. Compared to other VPNs where you can move through locations and connect with just a few keystrokes, this feels unnecessarily complicated.

NordVPN does an excellent job where many users start, the website experience is clean, accessible, and easy to navigate. But once inside the app, especially on desktop, accessibility isn’t as polished.

It’s still a strong option overall, but if you rely heavily on keyboard navigation or want a fully accessible VPN experience across all platforms, there’s still room for improvement.

NordVPN Reputation and Trust

• Built a solid reputation throughout its history.

• The 2018 breach is the only major issue on its record.

• Currently facing lawsuits over its auto-renewal practices.

NordVPN has built a generally strong reputation in the VPN industry, though it hasn’t been without challenges. The most notable incident dates back to 2018, when a single server hosted in Finland was accessed due to a misconfiguration at a third-party data center. While no user-identifiable data was exposed and the breach did not impact NordVPN’s core infrastructure, criticism arose from the delay in public disclosure, which came in 2019.

Since then, NordVPN has taken significant steps to strengthen its security posture. It conducted full infrastructure audits, transitioned to RAM-only servers, and increased transparency through independent assessments. Notably, it also became a founding member of the VPN Trust Initiative, alongside providers like ExpressVPN and Surfshark—an effort aimed at improving trust and accountability across the VPN industry.

In more recent years, attention has shifted toward business practices rather than technical security. A legal case filed in 2024 raised concerns about subscription auto-renewal policies, an issue that affects many VPN providers. While the case is ongoing, it highlights the importance of managing account settings, users can easily disable auto-renewal in just a few clicks to avoid unexpected charges.

There have also been claims of a development server incident in 2026,when a hacker claimed to have breached a NordVPN development server. NordVPN has denied any meaningful breach.

Final Verdict: Is NordVPN Worth It?

NordVPN is one of the best VPN choices for most users, offering a strong balance of speed, security, and streaming performance. While it may cost more than Surfshark, it delivers more consistent results, especially when it comes to unlocking global content and maintaining stable, high-speed connections.

One of NordVPN’s biggest advantages is its all-in-one security ecosystem. Beyond its core VPN service, it includes powerful extras like advanced threat protection, data breach alerts, and a best password manager NordPass depending on the plan you choose. This makes it more than just a VPN; it’s a complete online privacy solution.

For most users, the Plus plan offers the best value. It combines full VPN functionality with password management, ad and tracker blocking, malware protection, and breach monitoring all in one package. This makes it ideal for anyone looking to improve both their privacy and overall cybersecurity without needing multiple separate tools.

Who Is NordVPN Best For?

Best for streaming performance: NordVPN delivers near-flawless streaming across major platforms. It reliably unblocks services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, with smooth playback, minimal buffering, and no sudden disconnects. With apps available on almost every device, it’s a top choice for streaming anywhere.

Best for built-in password management: With higher-tier plans, NordVPN includes NordPass, one of the best password managers available today. It supports passkeys, secure password sharing, and strength analysis, making it easy to manage your credentials safely across all your devices.

Best for ad and malware protection: NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro stands out as one of the most effective security features in any VPN. It blocks ads, stops malicious websites, and helps protect against online threats—adding an extra layer of defense beyond standard VPN encryption.

Who Should Consider Alternatives?

Not built for full antivirus protection: While NordVPN includes advanced security tools like Threat Protection Pro, it isn’t a complete antivirus solution. It focuses on blocking malicious websites, ads, and phishing threats, but doesn’t offer full device scans or malware removal. If you need all-in-one protection, providers like Surfshark include true antivirus features in their premium plans, combining VPN privacy with deeper system-level security.

NordVPN FAQs

Does NordVPN work with Netflix?

Yes, and reliably so. NordVPN unblocks multiple Netflix regions including the US, UK, Canada, Japan, and Australia. In testing, it handled Netflix consistently across different servers without triggering proxy errors or requiring frequent server switching. It's one of the more dependable options for multi-region Netflix access.

Is NordVPN safe to use?

Yes. NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption, a strict audited no-logs policy, and RAM-only servers that wipe data on every reboot. Its 2018 server incident was a wake-up call, but the response independent audits, infrastructure overhaul, and increased transparency has been thorough. Today it's considered one of the more trustworthy VPN providers available.

Does NordVPN keep logs?

No. NordVPN operates a verified no-logs policy, independently audited by Deloitte in late 2025. The only session data temporarily handled is a basic username and timestamp used to enforce the 10-device limit and even that is automatically deleted within minutes of a session ending.

How many devices can I use with NordVPN?

All NordVPN plans support up to 10 simultaneous device connections — on par with Proton VPN and ahead of ExpressVPN's limit of 8. There's no restriction on device type, so you can mix phones, laptops, tablets, and smart TVs under one account.

Does NordVPN have a free plan?

No. NordVPN doesn't offer a free tier. If you want to try before committing, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee which is genuine and easy to claim, provided you contact support within the window.

Is NordVPN good for gaming?

It's one of the better options. In testing, NordVPN recorded latency of just 7.2ms and jitter as low as 2.4ms on nearby servers numbers that hold up well for competitive gaming. It's not quite at the very top for raw latency, but the combination of low jitter and consistent speeds makes it a reliable choice for online gaming without frustrating lag spikes.

Can I use NordVPN on a router?

Yes. NordVPN supports manual router setup and provides detailed guides for major router brands. This lets you protect every device on your home network — including smart TVs, consoles, and IoT devices under a single VPN connection without using up your device slots.

What's the difference between NordVPN Basic and Plus?

Basic gives you the core VPN service with full speed and security features. Plus adds NordPass (a capable password manager), enhanced Threat Protection Pro, and breach monitoring. For most users, Plus is the better value the added tools are genuinely useful and the price difference on a two-year plan is modest.

FINAL VERDICT

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not promote or endorse any specific service, and users should follow the terms and policies of the platforms they use.