- ExpressVPN Launches Industry’s First Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server
- The beta version allows AI agents to interact directly with its VPN desktop applications
- The feature is optional, runs locally, and operates under a strict no-logging policy
ExpressVPN announced the beta launch of its Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, becoming the first major provider to allow AI tools to interact directly with its desktop applications.
Announced today (March 5), this addition bridges the gap between top VPN services and the booming world of AI agents. By adopting the open standard introduced by Anthropic in late 2024, ExpressVPN effectively gives developers the ability to control their network security using natural language or automated scripts within their coding environments.
Previously, if a developer using an AI assistant needed to test a geo-specific API or verify a secure connection, they would have to exit their workflow to manually toggle settings in the VPN application. Now, compatible AI tools like Anthropic’s Claude Code and OpenAI’s Codex can read VPN status, change regions, and troubleshoot connectivity issues on the user’s behalf.
Integrating AI into Network Security
The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard designed to connect AI systems to external data and tools. Although many development platforms have adopted it since its introduction, network infrastructure has remained largely a manual affair – until now.
The ExpressVPN implementation creates a “strictly local bridge” between the AI tool and the ExpressVPN desktop app on macOS, Windows, or Linux. This means that developers can issue commands in plain English, such as “switch to a US server” or “check if my connection is secure”, and the AI agent executes them through the MCP server.
Shay Peretz, COO of ExpressVPN, says the move is intended to eliminate friction for technical users who live in their devices.
“Developers are increasingly relying on AI agents to automate complex tasks, but their network environment has remained manual,” Peretz said. “Our MCP server brings VPN control into these workflows, enabling secure testing, troubleshooting, and region switching without interrupting their workflow.”
Peretz added that the company views MCP as a “fundamental standard for how AI systems interact with external tools.”
Private by design
Allowing an AI to control network settings may raise eyebrows when it comes to security, but ExpressVPN emphasizes that the feature is “private and secure by design.”
Importantly, integration is disabled by default; Users must actively opt-in via desktop app settings. Additionally, the MCP server operates on a fixed allowed list of commands. It cannot access account credentials or session information, ensuring that the AI agent does not have carte blanche over sensitive user data.
The company also confirmed that the new feature works under its strict no-logging policy. “Activity logs, connection logs, and destination data are not collected or stored,” ExpressVPN said.
Who is it for?
While the average user may not yet need their AI chatbot to trade VPN servers, it is a significant quality of life improvement for software engineers and QA testers.
The beta allows developers to automate tasks like verifying secure connections before running scripts, testing geo-aware APIs across multiple regions, and diagnosing network issues through AI-assisted workflows. This essentially removes the need for context switching between a code editor and the VPN client.
The MCP Server Beta is available starting today, March 5, 2026, for individual users and ExpressVPN for Teams clients on all major desktop platforms. You can find more details on ExpressVPN’s features page or their support guide.
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