Google has announced it’s adding a VPN for Android devices to Google One 2 TB plans in the U.S.
Google One users will soon be able to add an extra layer of protection and encrypt their phone’s online activity with a new VPN that will come with their accounts and will be available for Android devices in the United States. However, Google says that availability will expand to more countries and to iOS, Windows, and Mac in the next few months.
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It will be available to users who have signed up for the Google One 2TB plan (or higher) and is built into the Google One app. This way, it can be turned on with just one tap. It will work with any app or browser and lets users stream, download, and browse on an encrypted, private connection, protecting themselves from hackers on unsecured networks like public Wi-Fi.
Furthermore, it will help users hide their IP address to prevent third parties from tracking their location. If you’re concerned about privacy, Google says it “will never use the VPN connection to track, log, or sell your browsing activity.” Finally, the VPN’s client libraries are open-sourced, and its end-to-end systems independently audited starting in 2021.
If you’re concerned about speed, Google says the VPN is “is backed by Google’s best in class network architecture,” allowing you always to have it running and still have a fast internet connection across apps and services.
In addition to the VPN, Google is now rolling out Pro Sessions with VPN support. Pro Sessions let users schedule one-on-one online sessions with Google experts to help them learn more about how to use a VPN to stay safe online. The Pro Sessions are in addition to the 2 TB of storage and benefits provided with the plan.
Finally, for anyone who shares their 2 TB Google One plan with family members (up to five additional people), secures the VPN for those people as well at no extra cost.