Google Introduces Verified Badges For VPN Apps To Help Users Identify Trusted Apps On The Play Store

Google has introduced a new feature to help users identify trusted apps on the Play Store. Now, the VPN apps that follow Google’s privacy and security rules will receive a verified badge. 

This verified badge will make it easy for users to identify VPN apps. 

The NordVPN, hide.me, and Aloha Browser have the verified badge on the Play Store.

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As per the blog post, this new feature is designed to highlight 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. This badge complements existing features such as the Google Play Store banner for VPNs and the Data Safety section declaration in the Play Store. 

Notably, Verified apps will be highlighted in search results, on app details pages, and in a dedicated section listing approved VPNs. 

To take advantage of this opportunity and earn the verified badge, apps must meet these specific criteria:

1. Complete a Mobile Application Security Assessment (MASA) Level 2 validation
2. Have an Organization developer account type
3. Meet target API level requirements for Google Play apps
4. Have at least 10,000 installs and 250 reviews
5. Be published on Google Play for at least 90 days
6. Submit a Data Safety section declaration, opting into:
   • Independent security review, under ‘Additional badges’
   • Encryption in transit

The company claims that the verified badge can boost an app’s credibility and help attract more users.