Proton VPN has added a “privacy panel” to its NetShield ad and tracker blocker. In an email on Wednesday, Proton said the panel will show how many ads and trackers NetShield has blocked “in real time.”
Proton VPN introduced NetShield in September 2022 to block “privacy-invading” ads, trackers, and malicious sites. The new privacy panel doesn’t change how NetShield works but gives users a peek into how it protects them. According to Samuele Kaplan, CTO at Proton VPN, the new panel “reminds you of the value Proton VPN adds to your life.”
“NetShield works by checking the domain requests of every website and app you use against a database of domains that are known to host malware, ads, or trackers,” Proton VPN explains on its website. “When NetShield finds a match, our DNS server protects your device by automatically blocking the flagged resource from loading.”
NetShield is available to Proton VPN Plus and Proton Unlimited users.
Proton VPN’s Browser Extensions, Expanded Servers
Proton VPN has introduced other updates recently to improve its service.
In March, the VPN provider unveiled browser extensions for Firefox, Chrome, and other Chromium-based browsers like Microsoft Edge, Brave, Opera, and Vivaldi.
Proton VPN browser extensions allow users to activate the VPN with the click of a button without leaving their browsers. “It also provides an additional distribution channel so Proton VPN can be available in countries where users cannot download or install VPN applications because the application stores are blocked due to censorship,” Kaplan told VPNOverview.
Users can choose their preferred server location and set the Proton VPN browser extension to automatically connect for improved security. We recommend activating auto-connect when you’re using public Wi-Fi.
“And with split tunneling, you can simultaneously connect to some websites with Proton VPN and connect to other websites directly, allowing you to browse as though you’re in two places at once,” Proton VPN said.
Proton VPN’s new browser extensions come with Secure Core and WebRTC leak protection to keep users’ IP hidden, thereby safeguarding their privacy.
Meanwhile, Proton VPN has expanded its server network and added support for “nearly two dozen” streaming platforms. This expansion includes “live sports passes and Amazon and Disney+ in more countries,” the company said.
How to Find the Proton VPN Privacy Panel
To find the privacy panel on your Proton VPN app, click the NetShield icon. It should show the number of ads blocked, trackers stopped, and data saved — just above the NetShield settings.
Proton VPN performed remarkably well in our tests, scoring 8.3 out of 10. You can learn about our experience with this VPN in our Proton VPN review.
