Google has stated that it will soon not allow VPN apps available in the Android Play Store to stop or interfere with ads. The company’s Developer Program Policy, announced in July 2022, stated that from November 1, only VPN applications that use VPNService and whose primary function is to provide a virtual private network will be allowed to create a device-level tunnel.
According to Google, allowed VPN apps should not collect personal or sensitive data without explicit disclosure and, more importantly, user consent. In addition, they must not direct or redirect advertisements or manipulate advertisements that may have an impact on the monetization of other services.
Earlier this year, it was already announced that Google will make some changes to the Play Store, including imposing rather heavy restrictions on VPN apps that can be downloaded on Android smartphones.
An example of such applications is the Swedish ad-blocking VPN application Blokada. Version 5 of the app was blocked before for this reason. However, the sixth version seems to be able to bypass this hurdle as it uses cloud filtering. Cloud filter does not violate Google’s policies. Moreover, it offers more advantages over local filtering in terms of battery life, speed and network speed limitations.
The topic of VPN and advertising is also discussed in the iPhone world. Apple is also considering imposing restrictions on VPN apps. According to Apple policies, VPN applications must use the NEVPNManager API and such applications should only be developed by companies. Personal developers are not allowed to produce and distribute VPN apps.
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