Google Now Verifies Trusted VPN Apps on Play Store

Google said today it will recognize trusted VPN apps for consumers on Android with a “Verified” badge in the Google Play Store.

“This new badge is designed to highlight apps that prioritize user privacy and safety, help users make more informed choices about the VPN apps they use, and build confidence in the apps they ultimately download,” Google’s JJ Zou and Scott Lin write in the announcement post. “This badge complements existing features such as the Google Play Store banner for VPNs and Data safety section declaration. Earning the VPN badge is proof that your VPN app invests in app safety.”

More specifically, the badge indicates that apps have adhered to Play safety and security guidelines and successfully completed a Mobile Application Security Assessment (MASA) Level 2 validation. These apps must also have at least 10,000 installs and 250 reviews, and be published on the Play Store for at least 90 days, opt-in to a security review, and provide in-transit encryption.

I don’t see a full list of initial recipients of the Verified badge, but a partial list includes 1.1.1.1, Aloha Browser, Brave Web Browser, hide.me, Nord, Opera Browser, Proton VPN, Secure VPN, Thunder VPN, and X-VPN.

“We’re excited that the new ‘Verified’ badge will help users easily identify VPNs that meet high standards for security and privacy,” a Nord statement reads. “In a market where trust is key, this badge not only provides reassurance to customers, but also highlights the integrity of developers committed to delivering secure and reliable products.”