Google One, the subscription service that provides expanded storage and other perks for Google users, is rolling out a new security feature that will be available to all subscribers. The virtual private network (VPN), which was previously only available to users on plans with at least 2TB of storage, will now be accessible to all subscribers at no additional cost.
The VPN is designed to protect users’ internet activity from hackers and network operators. It will be available in 22 countries on Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac devices and can be shared with up to five other people on your Google One plan. Google has also assured users that it will never use the VPN connection to track, log, or sell their online activity.
In addition to the VPN, Google is introducing a dark web report that will scan the dark web for users’ personal details to check if their information has been included in a data breach. This feature will be rolled out to One subscribers in the US over the next few weeks.
Users can select which details they would like Google to monitor, such as their name, address, email, phone number, and Social Security Number, and Google will handle this data according to its privacy policy. If Google finds a user’s tracked information on the dark web, it will notify them and offer suggestions on how to protect themselves.
Google has also been adding other features to One beyond security measures and extra storage. Subscribers can now access the Magic Eraser feature in Google Photos, which was previously only available on Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 devices.
These new security features are a welcome addition to Google One’s offerings, providing users with additional peace of mind when it comes to protecting their personal information online.
