Google’s updated policies for VPN apps will make developers ‘unhappy’, here’s why

In July, Google announced updated Play Store policies for developers bringing some much-needed changes. In addition to curbing misinformation and ads, Google’s new developer policies also dictate new rules for VPN apps.How does new policies affect VPN appsGoogle says VPN apps using the VPNService class will only be allowed to create a secure device-level tunnel to a remote server. The updated guidelines further dictate that permissible VPN apps cannot collect sensitive data without disclosure and user consent. Furthermore, the VPN apps will not be allowed to redirect or manipulate traffic and ads that impact “monetisation.”Why developers are unhappy with Google’s updated Play Store policies
These changes may appear to protect user privacy, but the reality seems to be something else. The Register reports that developers are not convinced with Google’s new policies for VPN apps. Reda Labdaoui, marketing and sales manager at Blokada, the developers behind the Blokada 6, says that with its updated policies, Google wants to put an end to apps that are tracking user data or rerouting user traffic to earn money through ads behind the mask of VPN services. But, it also concerns apps that filter traffic locally on the device.