Proton, the company behind ProtonVPN, has unveiled a range of new features designed to enhance user privacy and overcome censorship. The latest updates include the Discreet Icon for Android, the introduction of servers in 12 new countries, and a new Stealth protocol.
The Discreet Icon allows Android users to mask the ProtonVPN app with an inconspicuous icon, like those for weather or note-taking apps. This feature is aimed at users in countries with strict controls over VPN usage, where revealing a VPN app could lead to severe consequences.
ProtonVPN’s General Manager, David Peterson, points out that some authoritarian governments are now conducting physical checks for VPN apps, leading to potential harassment or arrest. The Discreet Icon is designed to help users avoid such risks.
The new Stealth protocol, which has been available for iOS and Mac, is now also offered for Windows users. This protocol, built on WireGuard and TLS, aims to obscure VPN traffic, making it significantly harder for authorities to detect VPN use.
Additionally, ProtonVPN has expanded its server network to include 12 new countries, such as Iraq, Kuwait, and Yemen. These regions are known for their poor rankings in terms of freedom and democracy.
All these features are now available to all ProtonVPN users, including those using the free version. Users can activate these new features by updating their app and adjusting the settings.