Google Play Store has added a new verification badge for VPN apps that prioritize user privacy and security.
The badge will appear on a VPN app’s details page and in search results, signaling that the app meets Google’s strict standards.
Verification Requirements
To earn the badge, VPN apps must:
- Complete a Mobile Application Security Assessment (MASA) Level 2 validation to ensure security.
- Have at least 10,000 installs and 250 reviews.
- Be available on Google Play for at least 90 days.
- Provide information on data collection practices.
- Opt into independent security reviews.
While these are the primary requirements, Google notes that other factors also play a role in the evaluation process.
Why It Matters
The update comes as VPN downloads surge, partly due to users bypassing restrictions on apps like TikTok, which remains unavailable on Google Play and Apple’s App Store.
Verified VPNs, such as those from Nord, hide.me, and Aloha, have already received the badge.
Google’s Broader Efforts
This initiative builds on Google’s previous measures to enhance Play Store transparency and security.
In 2022, the company introduced privacy labels and later added badges for apps that underwent independent security reviews.
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The Bottom Line:
Google’s new verification badge helps users identify trustworthy VPN apps, ensuring safer and more private browsing experiences.
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