Google has rolled out a verified badge for VPN apps on the Play Store, aimed at enhancing user safety and transparency.
This initiative seeks to help users identify trustworthy applications in a market saturated with various consumer-facing VPN services.
Notable apps like NordVPN, Aloha Browser, and hide.me have already secured this verified status, making it easier for users to choose reliable services.
Enhanced Visibility and Trust
The verified badge will complement existing security features, such as the Play Store banner for VPNs and Data Safety declarations.
Verified apps will be prominently displayed in search results, app detail pages, and a dedicated section highlighting approved VPN services. This initiative aligns with Google’s ongoing efforts to build user trust by showcasing secure and transparent apps.
Strict Requirements for Verification
To earn the verified badge, VPN apps must meet stringent criteria:
- Completion of Google’s Mobile Application Security Assessment (MASA) Level 2 evaluation
- Possession of an Organization developer account type
- Compliance with target API level requirements
- A minimum of 90 days’ presence on the Play Store
- Over 10,000 installs and at least 250 reviews
- Opt-in for independent security reviews and enforcement of encryption protocols for data in transit
Although passing the MASA evaluation does not guarantee verification, Google asserts it “significantly” increases the likelihood.
MASA Level 2
One key requirement for verification is the completion of the MASA Level 2 security assessment. This involves Google’s lab reviewing public versions of VPN apps and providing developers with recommendations to address any flagged vulnerabilities.
By completing this evaluation, VPN apps demonstrate their commitment to maintaining secure data transmission and safeguarding user privacy.
Empowering Users with Transparency
The Data Safety panel on the Play Store now offers users detailed information about a VPN app’s privacy practices. Verified apps provide insight into how personal data is handled, whether independent audits have been conducted, and whether data is shared with third parties.
This transparency allows users to make well-informed decisions, going beyond the verified badge to understand the app’s privacy policies.
A Broader Push for App Credibility
The introduction of the verified badge for VPN apps follows Google’s previous launch of the “Government” badge, designed to help users identify legitimate apps from official state and federal government entities.
This trend reflects Google’s ongoing efforts to differentiate safe and reliable applications in competitive categories, reinforcing user trust in the Play Store ecosystem.
Building Credibility for VPN Developers
In an increasingly crowded VPN market, the verified badge offers reputable developers a way to stand out. Google emphasizes that apps carrying this badge are more likely to attract users seeking secure and trustworthy services.
For developers, the badge serves as a mark of credibility, signaling adherence to strict safety and security protocols while enhancing brand recognition in a competitive landscape.
