Google One subscribers can now enjoy secure web surfing anytime.
Google recently announced that it is making its virtual private network (VPN) available to all Google One subscribers at no extra cost as part of the expansion of Google One's security features.
Google previously limited access to its VPN to subscribers to Google One's plans with at least 2TB of storage, per the Google One support page that is still yet to be updated as of press time.
Google One VPN Expansion Details
Google mentioned in its recent Keynote post that it is expanding access to Google One's VPN to all plans for free, meaning that even Basic plan subscribers now have protection while they're surfing on the world wide web starting on Mar. 8.
Unfortunately, the VPN will only be available in the 22 countries Google One is accessible. However, it is still available across Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac devices and up to five others as long as they are part of a Google One subscriber's plan.
According to Google One Director of Product Management Esteban Kozak, the expansion of Google One's VPN is meant to protect people's internet activity regardless of what apps or browsers they use by masking their OP address, preventing hackers and network operators from accessing their devices.
With this change, the only difference between Google One's many subscription tiers is their storage space. According to MacRumors, Google One's basic plan offers 100GB of storage, while the Premium plan, which previously had exclusive access to Google One's VPN, offers 2TB of storage.
Google One also offers a free tier with 15GB of storage, but it does not include VPN access, even with the expansion, since it is only for paying Google One subscribers only, per Engadget.
In addition to the expanded VPN access, Google One also added a new dark web report that helps subscribers scan the dark web for their personal info, such as their names, addresses, email, and phone number, to determine if hackers and/or cybercriminals compromised it. This new feature also provides users with guidance on protecting information that may have already leaked on the dark web.
Unfortunately, this feature will only be available to all Google One plans in the US over the next few weeks. There is no word when this feature will be available to all paying Google One subscribers worldwide.
What Does A VPN Do?
Aside from keeping users' online activity away from online ad companies, criminals, and even internet service providers, it also hides users' IP addresses by encrypting them. By doing so, users can freely send or receive confidential information or files without worrying about anyone intercepting them.
The encryption also provides users with anonymity while browsing the web, especially when purchasing products online. It even allows users to access geo-blocked content, meaning that people with VPNs can access content only available in certain countries.
Finally, VPNs protect users from DDoS attacks and other cyber threats, allowing users to browse the internet safely through public Wi-Fi, such as those found in cafes, airports, and Airbnbs.
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