Google One VPN works on GrapheneOS

alex

I recently discovered that the Google One VPN functionality is available and actually works on GrapheneOS, assuming that you are subscribed to at least the premium/2 TB Google One tier. The Google One VPN is probably one of the better VPNs:

https://one.google.com/about/vpn

with some background information, links to the source code and a recent audit available here:

https://one.google.com/about/vpn/howitworks

Only caveat on GrapheneOS is that the OS' "always on" VPN functionality is not available presently, so you have to make sure the Google One app is up and running after reboot. The app itself will then handle "always on" and also has a failsafe toggle, although both might be less reliable than on stock Android where that functionality seems to be more integrated.

Regardless, the VPN works transparently, almost no latency added and very high throughput. It can be used on ChromeOS too.

TheGodfather

Does it have a no-log policy?

bereft_penguin

TheGodfather It's probably fine. Check the what does VPN log here as well as the independent security audits privacy conclusion here

TL;DR They claim no PII logs like proton, they don't claim the unrealistic or impossible 0 logs like some less pedantic/trustworthy companies. The security audit found that it wouldn't be impossible for google to log user data, but showed no signs of them doing so and they have significant safeguards against malicious employees or actors instantiating logging.

bayesian

TheGodfather does stuff fall upwards?! Not being disrespectful but I would (as a good Bayesian) bet huge amounts that Google is probably logging everything in their VPN service.

TheGodfather

bereft_penguin Thx. This looks good indeed.

Corsair

I heard the VPN is free if you buy a Pixel 7.

https://www.androidauthority.com/pixel-7-series-vpn-3219483/

abcZ

I trust their "no logging" policy just as much as their "no location tracking" policy;
https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/taking-action/attorney-general-josh-shapiro-announces-391-million-settlement-with-google-over-location-tracking-practices/

IMO, the "VPN" that google offers is about as useful as tits on a bull. It offers no security since it just moves your connection to google's infrastructure, and feeds them MORE data, not less.

If you want a VPN that actually protects you, look at Orbot.

Remember; if the service is free, YOU are the product.

[deleted]

abcZ Remember; if the service is free, YOU are the product.

You mean like Graphene OS or any linux distribution or Wikipedia or rss etc.? :-)
I would like to point out that there are many services which feels like "you are a product" even though you are paying for the service.

I understand the dislike to use services from companies which are design to harvest users data and/ or repeatedly show anti-privacy tendencies and personally I wouldn't trust anything from Meta/ Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft, but it is not as easy sometimes.

abcZ

[deleted] You mean like Graphene OS or any linux distribution or Wikipedia or rss etc.? :-)

In a manner of speaking, yes. Because you are involved in the development of the product at various levels, including code contributions and issue reporting.

nrt

Anyone with pixel 7 get it working (free for a year promotion)?

[deleted]

nrt I can't on a Pixel 7, it says "VPN is disabled. Sign in or check your subscription status."

Colt9646

[deleted] me too.

User2288

You wanna have all your network traffic pass through the servers of the MOST notorious data surveillance company?
A company with the most sophisticated deep network analysis known to man, who engages in every insidious and hidden way to gather every bit of data on you. Jeez, why did you even get grapheneos?

Not having a VPN is much safer. At least that way your data is only partially gathered.

FYI, google IS the tripple letter surveillance agency (which I don't want to name). You wanna use them? Good luck.

hah, getting a russian VPN would probably be much safer.

matchboxbananasynergy

Let's please not police what people want to use.

With VPNs specifically, on GrapheneOS where user profiles are widely used, you can have a separate VPN on each profile. It may make sense to use that on one profile with that VPN, but not on another.

GrapheneOS is for people with a wide variety of needs, lifestyles etc.

User2288

matchboxbananasynergy Let's please not police what people want to use.

Ofcourse.
I should have worded it differently. My intention was to just inform the user that using google VPN in many ways goes against the very merit of a VPN in the first place. They'd be seriously shooting themselves in the foot. But this is really case dependent. For example someone who's threat model is to evade chinese or russian or iranian surveillance or censorship might benefit from such a service. Or perhaps there are other useful use cases not on my radar.

I'd personally strongly recommend against use of Google VPN for the north american user, but really its about what you are trying to achieve with use of a vpn.