Google Play Store Invites VPN Makers to Earn the ‘Verified’ Badge

Published on January 29, 2025
Written by:
Vishwa Pandagle
Vishwa Pandagle
Cybersecurity Staff Editor
Source: Google Play Store

Google Play Store in coordination with Android announced launching a ‘verified’ badge for VPN apps. The badge will help reduce fake apps on the play store and increase security of consumers relying on VPN. 

The verified badge will reflect on the app's details page and in search results.

The Nord VPN app on Google Play store with the verified badge.
The 'Verified' Badge on the NordVPN App | Source: Android Developer Blog

The move that is aimed at building users confidence in the apps they download will require VPN companies to fulfill the following criteria besides others:

  1. Pass a Mobile Application Security Assessment (MASA) Level 2 validation.
  2. They must have an organization developer account type.
  3. Deliver the target API level requirement for Google Play Apps.
  4. They must achieve at least 10,000 installs and 250 reviews.
  5. They must have an account on Google Play for at least 90 days.
  6. Share a ‘Data Safety section declaration’ and opt for the following:

Among the other steps, VPN app makers will need to comply with the Play safety and security guidelines. After getting the badge, the products will be displayed on new surfaces designed for verified VPN applications. 

The Android Developers Blog posted names of the VPN companies that have already earned the badge following the verification process. Among them are NordVPN, hide.me, and Aloha.

Addressing the new verification badge, Nord said that it not only reassured users but also spoke for the integrity of developers. hide.me stated that the MASA program validates its security practices and high standards.

Aloha commended that certification process for being well-organized and maintained that getting verified should not be a problem for developers that adhere to security standards.



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