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This feature is particularly significant for users in authoritarian countries where the presence of a VPN on a smartphone can lead to harassment
Proton, the company behind ProtonVPN, has launched a suite of new features aimed at bolstering online privacy and circumventing censorship, especially in regions with stringent internet controls. Among the highlights are the "Discreet Icon" for Android, the proprietary "Stealth" protocol, and an expansion of its server network into 12 new countries.
The Discreet Icon feature allows Android users to mask the ProtonVPN icon on their devices, displaying it as a more innocuous app, such as a calculator or weather app. This feature is particularly significant for users in authoritarian countries, where the presence of a VPN on a smartphone can lead to harassment, fines, or even arrest. ProtonVPN General Manager David Peterson emphasized the growing trend of physical smartphone inspections by authorities in such regions, making this feature potentially life-saving. The Stealth protocol, another key feature, is designed to bypass sophisticated censorship measures. Initially available on iOS and Mac, it is now extended to Windows users. The protocol, based on WireGuard and TLS, enhances privacy by making VPN traffic nearly undetectable, ensuring users can maintain their online anonymity even in highly restricted environments.
Additionally, ProtonVPN has expanded its server network to 12 new countries, including Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, regions known for low internet freedom. These updates are accessible to all ProtonVPN users, including those on the free plan, by simply updating to the latest app version. This move underscores Proton’s commitment to defending free speech and privacy worldwide.
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