A free Android VPN app, boasting over one million downloads, has recently come under scrutiny for allegedly utilizing servers owned by Windscribe, a well-regarded name in the VPN industry. Windscribe, recognized by TechRadar as one of the best VPN providers, discovered that JetVPN, a relatively new entrant in the market, was hosting its services on Windscribe’s infrastructure as of late July.
In a twist of events, JetVPN reportedly transitioned to using servers from Private Internet Access (PIA) after Windscribe blocked its access. According to Windscribe, this incident highlights broader concerns regarding the quality control of applications available on the Google Play Store.
Windscribe’s spokesperson explained the mechanics behind JetVPN’s operations, stating, “They buy a bunch of Windscribe accounts and then mass-share them using their own app by distributing OpenVPN credentials.” However, users with legitimate Windscribe or PIA accounts need not worry, as the spokesperson clarified, “This does not affect any other Windscribe users, since they’re just abusing their own accounts, which they paid for.”
PIA confirmed awareness of the situation, noting that a third party had exploited its unlimited device offering. “In line with our Terms of Service, we closed the offending accounts promptly,” a PIA representative stated.
Upon being contacted by Windscribe, JetVPN asserted that it ceased using the compromised servers immediately, removing them from its application and transitioning to a fully controlled infrastructure. A JetVPN spokesperson emphasized, “We want to clarify that JetVPN never engaged in any intentional or unauthorized use of their infrastructure – the overlap came solely from the same third-party provider.”
A Google Play issue?
As of now, JetVPN is no longer available on the Google Play Store, where it had previously achieved a commendable five-star rating within just a few months. Notably, the app was never listed on the Apple App Store. When questioned about its removal, JetVPN explained that it is currently in the process of updating and enhancing its service, with plans to reintroduce the app in the future. The spokesperson added that the decision to initially launch solely on Android was a strategic choice.
This incident is not isolated; it reflects a troubling trend where unverified VPN applications manage to ascend the ranks on the Google Play Store. In response to such challenges, Google introduced a “Verified” badge last February to assist users in identifying secure and trustworthy services. However, concerns persist, as evidenced by a recent discovery that a popular free Google Chrome VPN extension, despite holding this badge, was found to be spying on its 100,000 users.
As highlighted by Windscribe’s spokesperson, “Google has a serious problem on their hands with quality control, as well as obvious use of bots to mass-install and mass-review shady apps to get them into the top 10 lists.” The JetVPN case serves as a reminder for users to exercise caution when downloading free applications, particularly those that may compromise privacy and security. For those seeking reliable options, resources such as best free VPN guides recommend services like Privado VPN, Proton VPN, and Windscribe Free as trustworthy alternatives.
