There are super shady VPN providers but that doesn’t mean local network risks can be ignored. For example, how frequently do you hear about compromised networks

There are super shady VPN providers but that doesn’t mean local network risks can be ignored. For example, how frequently do you hear about compromised networks of routers and access points? Attackers could be using those for far more stealthy means. Also, remember when Verizon decided to helpfully inject cross-domain tracking cookies into their customers’ traffic? Do you really want to gamble that some MBA wouldn’t start to think about ways to monetize activity collection from VPN users? Some provider won’t sell schools, coffee shops, etc. a service which will block the “wrong” traffic and that just quietly expands to cover, say, women looking for family planning advice or college students in Florida looking for trans support?