Can't connect to App Store

Shutting it off solved it. Surely, this can't be the permanent solution, is it? I use a VPN because I don't like being stalked by Apple and Google. I grew up in the 60's when we still had our privacy. I refuse to let these corporations stalk me or my family (yes, Apple has been involved in stalking customers for the government for decades and Google is a government created agency). Thanks for your help.

I turned the VPN back on and no problems. Thanks so much.

I cannot even log IN to the app store. It just spins and spins and says "Cannot Connect - Something went wrong. Please try again". I get texts and phone calls, but I cannot download photos from icloud and my online apps (Facebook, InstaCart, my bank app) don't work. I've reset my phone, reset my Sim card, done all the things Apple suggests but still no internet access. Any other thoughts on how to fix this? Thanks.