Google One VPN, a feature previously limited to the $9.99 premium Google One tier, will now be available in the $1.99 and $2.99 plans as well. Additionally, subscribers in the US will also get access to dark web monitoring with a feature called “Dark web report”, also available across the three tiers.
Much like competing VPNs, Google’s VPN can be used on a variety of devices, including iPhones, Macs, and PCs. However, it’s rather limited in terms of supported countries meaning there’s a good chance that you’ll have to sit out on this benefit regardless of your Google One subscription tier. While subscribers to the $9.99 plan already had access to the VPN, subscribers to the $1.99 and $2.99 plans should start seeing VPN access being made available in the next few weeks.
As for the dark web monitoring feature, it’s supposed to help you “scan the dark web for your personal info”. This can include names, addresses, email, phone numbers and even Social Security Numbers. After the feature is enabled, you need to provide and select what information you’d like to keep an eye on in your specific monitoring profile.
If any matches are found on the dark web, Google will alert you and provide guidance on how to protect your personal data. Additionally, it’ll also show related information that may be found in any data breaches. All this information is put together in a monitoring profile and is handled according to Google’s privacy policies.
The company also gives you the option to opt out of the feature anytime and delete any information from your profile. The feature will roll out in the US over the next few weeks with no word on whether or not it’ll be coming to other parts of the world.
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