Google Set To Stop Android VPN Applications from Blocking Ads

Google set to stop Android VPN applications from blocking ads. This means that there are some really tough and major changes coming into the play store in regards to android VPN rules.

Google Set To Stop Android VPN Applications

Google have now confirmed that soon it will start blocking VPN apps that are available on its play store platform from interfering or stopping advertising.

The Developer Program Policy of the company which was announced in July 2022 states that from November 1, only VPN apps that make use of VPNService, whose primary function is to help provide a virtual private network, shall be given permission in creating a secure device-level tunnel to a remote server.

And according to Google, permissible VPN apps should not collect sensitive or personal data without prominent disclosure and most significantly, user content.

In addition, there should not manipulate or redirect traffic, nor manipulate ads that can have a direct impact on the monetization of their services.

Are Android VPN Apps Allowed?

In the early parts of this year, It was revealed that Google would be making some changes to its play store and this is including imposing some really hefty restrictions on VPN apps that are available to download on smartphones running android OS.

The Register has now uncovered potential concerns from Swedish ad-blocking VPN app Blokada which is worrying that the set rule “will hinder at least the previous iteration of its software.” This is referring to v5 which Reda Labdaoui, post author and blog moderator says has had “several takedowns in the past.”

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The very same Blokada post suggests that v6 is not expected to be having the same issues due to the fact that it makes use of cloud filtering. This does not break the policies of Google, but Blokada however has said that should have device speed and fewer battery life and network speed implications in contrast to local VPN filtering.

A DuckDuckGo spokesperson in an email to The Register explained: “We don’t believe we’ll be impacted by the policy but our team is continuing to review it.”

Are iOS VPN Apps Allowed?

If you are thinking of moving to iOS then you should know that Google is not the only company that is tightening restrictions on apps that offer the services of VPNs. The policy of apple requires that VPN apps make use of its NEVPNManager API, and also that developers should be affiliated with a company and not with individuals.