The Google Play store has just introduced a new way for VPN providers to show that they offer safe and reliable services -a “verified” badge.
The new badge is designed to highlight consumer-facing VPN apps “that prioritize users’ privacy and security,” explains Big Tech Giant in a blog post. The goal is to help users make more informed choices about VPN apps they are downloading and using.
Google’s new Badge appears on the details of the VPN app and in search results as a guarantee of the virtual private network (VPN) service meets Google’s security standards.
How to get Google’s “verified” badge
“Serving the VPN bath is just about marking a box -that’s proof that your VPN app is investing in app security,” said Google, pointing out how the verification mark will help providers to stand out on a crowded VPN – market.
In order to be eligible for the new verification emblem, VPN providers must carry out a mobile Application Security Assessment (MASA) Level 2 validation. This is essentially an evaluation of the app’s security.
VPN apps must also have at least 10,000 installations and 250 reviews. They also require an “organizational developer” account type and published on Google for at least 90 days to qualify.
Qualified app developers must also submit information on how to collect user data and choose independent security reviews.
While other factors are contributing to the evaluation, Google explains to meet these requirements “increase” the chances of getting VPN -verified badge significantly.
Google’s initiative comes as a much needed move. Increasingly, several cases have been shown to download a legitimate VPN app from the Internet is not enough to be safe.
At the beginning of the month, for example, Google warned that Legit VPN apps were used as a back door to infect devices with malware.
VPN -Downloads have also risen throughout the United States recently to avoid age verification laws and temporary blocks enforced on Tiktok.
Some of the best VPN apps have already received a verification emblem. These include Techradar’s top elections NordVPN, Hide.me and Aloha Browser.
Google’s new verified badge adds Google’s ongoing commitment to better transparency and security in its App Store. These include the confidentiality brands that are rolled out in 2022, and the independent security review banners introduced the following year.
