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Opera Brings Its Free VPN Service To Android (techcrunch.com)

Posted by msmash on from the free-vpn dept.

Frederic Lardinois, writing for TechCrunch: Earlier this year, Opera launched its free and unlimited VPN service for iOS; today it is bringing the same functionality to Android. Like the iOS version, the Android app is based on Opera's acquisition of SurfEasy in 2015 and allows you to surf safely when you are on a public network. While Opera's marketing mostly focuses on safety, Opera VPN also allows you to appear as if you are in the U.S., Canada, Germany, Singapore and The Netherlands, so it's also a way to route around certain geo-restrictions without having to opt for a paid service. In addition to its VPN features, the service also allows you to block ad trackers. Somewhat ironically, though, the app itself will show you some pretty unintrusive ads. "The Opera VPN app for Android sets itself apart from other VPNs by offering a completely free service; without a data limit, no log-in required, advanced Wi-Fi protection features and no need for a subscription," says Chris Houston, the president of Opera's SurfEasy VPN division, in today's announcement.

1 of 26 comments (clear)

  1. Several questions by emil · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Is this browser keybridged to Opera Corporate? Is Opera able to decrypt TLS sessions run through the VPN? Does this add Opera-controlled root CAs that allow mitm?

    Opera Mini has terrible security, as it uses the native Android WebKit/WebView. Does Opera guarantee that anything it provides for this VPN has current patches and passes all relevant tests (i.e. http://ssllabs.com?