Google Play Launches VPN Verification Program

It’s typically easy to choose an app that meets your needs: you install it, use it or read reviews, and then decide whether to retain it or try something else. In other cases, though, such as when searching for a trustworthy password manager, cloud storage, or a reputable VPN tool, this might prove dangerous. This is where independent data security reviewers or sources like ours may provide third-party confirmation. Google recently revealed intentions, supported by independent research, to make VPN software downloads safer for all users by adding a verification mark to the Play Store.

To help customers identify trustworthy providers, Google Play is introducing “Verified” badges for a few VPN apps. Google stated in a blog post on Tuesday that apps with the logo put user privacy and security first.

Because opinions might always be biased in favour of some apps, it can be difficult to verify the security claims made by an app developer. However, a non-partial assessment from a trustworthy third party can allay these worries. Together with other major giants like Microsoft and Meta, Google founded the App Defense Alliance (ADA), which certifies apps that adhere to strict requirements and sets industry standards for user protection.

A new Verified symbol will be added to VPN apps in the Play Store that comply with the ADA’s MASA AL2 standard. It will appear next to the app’s download count, user rating, and other statistics. Users who are unlikely to read the data safety part that is currently available on each app’s detail page in the store should benefit from this badge, which is also more noticeable in search results.

When an app’s creators have passed a Mobile Application Security Assessment (MASA) Level 2 validation and complied with Play’s safety and security criteria, the badge signifies that the software has been thoroughly examined for security flaws.

To be eligible for the Verified label, a VPN app must also have at least 10,000 installations and 250 reviews. Additionally, the app has to match the target API level standards for Google Play apps and have been available on Google Play for at least ninety days.

An app must have at least 10,000 downloads, 250 user reviews, and be at least 90 days old on the Play Store in order to receive one of these verification badges. A completed data safety section statement that approves encryption in transit and independent security evaluations should also be included. The app seeking verification must target the necessary API levels for Google Play applications, and the developer must have an Organisation dev account type. Lastly, MASA Level 2 certification is required for the application. This is not a comprehensive list, though, and other elements may also have an impact on an app’s certification.

According to Google, the badge will make apps stand out since it will appear in search results and on the information page of certain apps. According to the IT giant, it has also created special Google Play surfaces to highlight certified VPN apps.

In its blog post, Google stated that the new badge is intended to draw attention to applications that put user privacy and security first, assist users in selecting VPN apps more intelligently, and foster trust in the programs they eventually choose to download.

The move coincides with Google’s efforts to highlight and recognize secure apps in its marketplace. In order to identify official state and federal government apps, the business added “Government” labels to Google Play last May.

Some well-known programs, such as Nord and Aloha Browser, have previously received Google certification. These applications require regular re-certification, and as user safety should always be the first priority for app developers, we expect to see the verification badge extended to apps in other categories as well.