Mishaal RahmanJan 28, 2025

The Google Play Store is going to show a "Verified" badge for some VPN apps.

These badges will appear on store listings for VPN 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."

Show threadMishaal RahmanJan 28, 2025
VPN apps have to earn the badge by "adhering to the Play safety and security guidelines" and successfully completing a "Mobile Application Security Assessment (MASA) Level 2 validation." They also have to have at least 10k installs and 250 reviews, be published for at least 90 days, and submit a Data Safety section declaration while opting into independent security review and encryption in transit.
Show threadMishaal Rahman

Nord, hide dot me, and Aloha Browser are among the few to secure the badge. You can easily find more by searching "VPN" in the Play Store.

Out of curiosity: What VPN are you currently using, and why did you choose it?

Jan 28, 2025 at 6:02pmWeb
Show threadPriyanshu RaiJan 28, 2025
@MishaalRahman I use the cloudflare 1.1.1.1 warp
Show threadIcySharkJan 28, 2025

@MishaalRahman I use the Google one as it is included with my Pixel purchase.

I have also stood up a wireguard server at home and on the cloud when I need to egress in a specific country. This is flexible and cheap and PRIVACY forward and most of the time I want to look like I'm at home (or at least in the country I live in).

Show threadtaketwoJan 28, 2025
@MishaalRahman
mullvad. Wireguard supported, privacy preserving payment process and they contribute to the ecosystem with development.
Show threadChirayu  Jan 28, 2025
@MishaalRahman Proton
Show threadG020BJan 28, 2025
@MishaalRahman
Proton - the easiest choice for great privacy.
Show threadBacteriaJan 28, 2025
@MishaalRahman Mullvad
Show threadPablonius Monk 🇺🇦Jan 28, 2025

@MishaalRahman Perhaps foolishly I'm using the AT&T Active Armor VPN that's included with our family plan.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.att.mobilesecurity

AT&T ActiveArmorâ„  - Apps on Google Play

Get the most comprehensive mobile security app to help stop spam and scam.

Show threadchillzard✔️Jan 29, 2025
@MishaalRahman I use Adguard VPN and Cloudflare 1.1.1.1.The 1st because it integrates with Adguard Adblocker. The 2nd if I simply want a DNS filter to unblock specific websites without VPN overhead.