Proton, the developer behind the widely used ProtonVPN, has introduced a suite of new features designed to combat censorship, evade VPN blocks, and safeguard user free speech. These updates include a Discreet Icon for Android, servers in 12 new countries, and a proprietary Stealth protocol.
The Discreet Icon feature allows Android users to conceal the ProtonVPN app under a less conspicuous icon, such as a weather or calculator app. This could be particularly crucial for users in authoritarian regimes where VPN apps may attract unwanted attention from authorities.
David Peterson, General Manager at ProtonVPN, highlights the increasing use of physical inspections by authorities in some countries, where citizens are pressured to reveal VPN apps. The Discreet Icon feature aims to mitigate such risks.
Another notable addition is the Stealth protocol, now available for Windows users in addition to iOS and Mac. This protocol, based on WireGuard and TLS security, is designed to make VPN usage nearly undetectable, providing an extra layer of anonymity for users facing censorship.
ProtonVPN has also expanded its server network with 12 new countries, including Afghanistan, Bahrain, and Libya, all of which are rated poorly on the Freedom House Index and Democracy Index.
These new features are accessible to all ProtonVPN users, including those on the free plan. To take advantage of these updates, simply update to the latest app version and enable the new options in the settings menu.
