Private Internet Access Features

Private Internet Access (PIA) is dedicated to providing users with a seamless online browsing experience while prioritizing privacy and security. In order to achieve this, PIA offers various features that enhance usability and convenience. One such feature is split tunneling, which allows users to customize their connections by choosing which apps and IPs should redirect traffic through an encrypted tunnel and which should access the internet through their Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Split Tunneling on macOS

Since Apple updated their networking frameworks and libraries in November 2020, the split tunneling function on macOS has been severely impacted for all VPNs. However, the PIA team has worked hard to adapt to these challenges and address the issue. With over 20,000 users requesting a fix, PIA was committed to making it a reality. As a result, PIA is proud to announce that it is the first major VPN provider to offer split tunneling on macOS 11 and above. Users can now test this feature with the beta version, and it will be available to all customers starting from March 7 as part of the full release.

Open-Source Split Tunneling Solution

PIA values configurability and believes in removing barriers for its users. As a demonstration of this commitment, PIA is making its split tunneling solution open-source and available to everyone. This means that users can access and customize the split tunneling feature according to their needs. PIA is one of the few VPN providers that offers 100% open-source apps, as transparency is a core principle of the company. The open-source split tunneling solution will be available on PIA’s Github page once the feature is out of beta. PIA encourages the wider cybersecurity and digital privacy community to review the source code and find it useful.

How to Access Split Tunneling on macOS

If you are a PIA user on a Mac and are part of the Beta program, you can access the split tunneling feature by following these steps:

1. Open the PIA macOS app.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right side.
3. Click on “Settings” and select “Help.”
4. Tick the box next to “Receive Beta Updates.”
5. Read the beta agreement and click “Agree” to proceed.
6. You will see a notice about a beta release in the app dashboard. Click “Download” and run the installation.
7. The split tunnel option will be visible under “Settings.”

The Impact of macOS Big Sur

The split tunneling issue on macOS originated with an OS update released in November 2020, specifically with the release of macOS Big Sur. This update deprecated the Network Kernel Extension APIs, which caused complications for the split tunneling feature. As a result, most VPN providers do not offer split tunneling on macOS at all. If the feature is available, it is often limited to users on macOS 10 and older, which are outdated operating systems. PIA has developed an innovative solution by leveraging Apple’s network extension application program interfaces (API) and utilizing high-performance network libraries like SwiftNIO to overcome these challenges.

Tailor Your VPN Experience with PIA

PIA believes that users should have control over their online data and should be able to tailor their VPN connections to suit their needs. Split tunneling is a crucial feature in achieving this customization. By offering split tunneling across all major platforms, PIA empowers users to make the most out of their VPN connections. PIA is committed to providing flexibility and ensuring that users have the necessary tools to protect their digital privacy. By choosing PIA as your trusted VPN provider, you can be confident that your requests for new features will be heard and considered.

Conclusion

Private Internet Access (PIA) offers a range of features to enhance online privacy and security while prioritizing usability and convenience. One such feature is split tunneling, which allows users to customize their VPN connections by choosing which apps and IPs should redirect traffic through an encrypted tunnel and which should access the internet through their ISP. Despite the challenges posed by Apple’s macOS update, PIA has successfully adapted and is the first major VPN provider to offer split tunneling on macOS 11 and above. This feature is available for testing in the beta version and will be released to all customers on March 7. PIA’s commitment to transparency is evident in its open-source approach, as its split tunneling solution will be available to everyone. By joining PIA’s beta program, users can access the split tunneling feature and tailor their VPN experience to suit their needs. With PIA, users have control over their online data and can ensure their digital privacy is protected.