'Google VPN' in-built Hidden Service spotted in Android 5.1

[Wilikon]

Good news for all Android Lollipop-ers! Google appears to be secretly working on a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service, dubbed 'Google VPN'.

The news is still not confirmed, but the folks at Pocketables discovered an interesting hidden app called "Google Connectivity Services" under "All Apps" in the app manager, while digging through settings and apps after installing the latest version, Android 5.1 Lollipop on a Nexus 6 phone.

After clicking on the created shortcut, the app greeted with a pop-up message that reads, "Google VPN: To help protect you on open Wi-Fi networks, your data will be transmitted securely through a Google VPN."

The pop-up also has the "learn more" and "got it" options. However, since Google VPN feature is currently not in a functional state, you get redirected to a support page from Google if you click on "learn more" option.

But if you click on the "got it" option, you are taken to the regular VPN connection request window, where you are asked if you would like the Wi-Fi assistant to set-up a VPN connection "that allows it to monitor network traffic."

A virtual private network (VPN) basically allows people to connect to an unsecured WiFi network securely, which means the data transmitted through the network is fully secured.

It uses encryption and other security protocols to encrypt users' data so that in case of man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks, the intercepted data would be of no use for the intruders.

Unfortunately, Google VPN feature doesn't actually do anything right now, though, as Google hasn't launched the service officially yet, which is why the Google VPN feature is not readily available for anyone to use.

"Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to actually connect to any VPN, using an open WiFi network, a secured WiFi network, or LTE," reads Pocketables blog post. "It’s unclear when Google will launch this feature, whether it will be open to everyone or just certain types of users, or if Google might discontinue it, like it did with App Opps."

Google VPN is discovered on a Nexus 6 device, supposedly the only device that received Lollipop at first. So it's possible that the search engine giant is waiting for its VPN service to roll out first on Nexus 6 handsets.



http://thehackernews.com/2015/03/google-vpn-connectivity-services.html

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[Madness]

Google VPN , Facebook VPN , or any other VPN .
They are all the same for me , Using Google won't change the fact that intelligence organizations such NSA can still spy on you .

~ Madness

[shogdite]

Think I'll pass thanks google, wouldn't want your paymasters at the NSA:CIA monitoring my internet activities

Prefer to use orbot or one the other free android VPN's like: 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.privateinternetaccess.android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.blinkt.openvpn

[CaptainHerpDerp]

This is pointless as their vpn will most definitely keep records on everyone to be pulled out and viewed at any time they like.

[TheButterZone]

I'd much rather they enable Always-on VPN so I can get to my PPTP automatically.

[Nude]

Lots of important people around here, so important that "NSA:CIA" is interested in their web browsing habits,, I'm impressed...

[BitcoinFX]

I'd much rather they enable Always-on VPN so I can get to my PPTP automatically.

PPTP is a compromised and broken protocol.

[TheButterZone]

I'd much rather they enable Always-on VPN so I can get to my PPTP automatically.

PPTP is a compromised and broken protocol.

Tell the DD-WRT coders to replace it with something that isn't, then.

[Agestorzrxx]

A service from Google that will protect you from small data hogs, so it can serve you to the biggest player.

[Neg]

I'm with everybody else who wouldn't trust google to keep your data safe and secure. If you're that concerned about your privacy I would look into alternate ways to do so without relying on google. Sadly, I don't think most cell phone users are aware or care about the dangers anyway.

[lamita]

Actually I am using bVPN on my Android 5.1 without any restrictions over connection I amanged to establish a stable and reliable connection with high speed and secure tunnel for your browsing and personal data. no tracking, no logging, I am highly satisfied.. You can try http://www.vpnfaqs.com/2015/12/vpn-protocols-whats-the-best/

[bitsmichel]

Google VPN , Facebook VPN , or any other VPN .
They are all the same for me , Using Google won't change the fact that intelligence organizations such NSA can still spy on you .

~ Madness

They are different. It means apart from our friends at NSA, which company do you give the authority to handle your data.

[croato]

This sounds like joke to me. So google now provide VPN and protect our privacy? It is more likely they want to spy on idiots who will use their VPN.

[Wilikon]

This sounds like joke to me. So google now provide VPN and protect our privacy? It is more likely they want to spy on idiots who will use their VPN.

It took a while for that thread but you finally nailed it...

 

[Snail2]

Ouch! This is something like hiring a goat for guarding my cabbage plantation.