Google contradicts itself

[THEPRFCT10]

So I'm debating and doing research on whether or not to keep the VPN turned on all the time. Several emails to Google which resulted in different agents replying completely contradict each other. One would tell me to keep it on the entire time and benefit from its role in job and protecting us, another one says due to the battery consumption it may have to only use it in areas that can't be trusted such as public Wi-Fi. It's beyond frustrating. I did do several speed tests and see how the VPN most definitely reduces performance I guess at the expense of the security protection it provides. But I did notice also worse battery life.

All that being said, I'm curious what you all do with the Google VPN. Do you keep it on the entire time? Do you only turn it on when you go to a public Wi-Fi? Just curious.

 

[rvbfan]

I just leave it on all the time. I haven't noticed any battery drain on my Pixel6 related to the VPN.
As far as performance goes? Also negligible for me.

 

[Grabber5.0]

I only use it on public Wi-Fi, and won't use public Wi-Fi without it.

 

[Maljunulo]

I never shut my Proton free VPN off, and I always go through servers in Netherlands.

This leads to some amusing side effects.

 

[hallux]

I thought I'd leave it on all the time, but I've found that it sometimes has difficulty when changing connectivity status or if the network it was on disconnects. Once reconnected the VPN (speaking of the Google One we get free with the phone) sometimes doesn't allow connectivity and I need to force stop the Google 1 app to restore functionality.

 

[Stanley Kubrick]

I think VPN's are a panacea that makes one believe that they are somehow safer by using one.
If you surf in shark infested waters then you can expect to get bitten.
Surfing in a shark cage defeats the purpose of even trying to surf.
So stay out of shark infested waters and you can enjoy surfing safely.

 

[Maljunulo]

I think that depends on exactly what you mean by “safer”.

 

[THEPRFCT10]

I never shut my Proton free VPN off, and I always go through servers in Netherlands.

This leads to some amusing side effects.

Amusing side effects? Do tell!

 

[THEPRFCT10]

I think VPN's are a panacea that makes one believe that they are somehow safer by using one.
If you surf in shark infested waters then you can expect to get bitten.
Surfing in a shark cage defeats the purpose of even trying to surf.
So stay out of shark infested waters and you can enjoy surfing safely.

Whereas I appreciate your analogy I have to admit I can't follow your suggestion. Are you a proponent and advocate or are you suggesting not to use it?

 

[Maljunulo]

Amusing side effects? Do tell!

A significant number of items in Dutch, as you go bopping around the internet, and the charming message to the effect of “ This content is not available in your area.“

Other than that, it is a seamless experience.

 

[Stanley Kubrick]

Whereas I appreciate your analogy I have to admit I can't follow your suggestion. Are you a proponent and advocate or are you suggesting not to use it?

What I am saying is that if you stay away from shady web sites (shark infested waters) then you don't need a shark cage (VPN).
I never use one and I have had zero issues. It's easy to block ads. Do not install 3rd party apps that you are unsure of. Basic computing.

 

[Grabber5.0]

What I am saying is that if you stay away from shady web sites (shark infested waters) then you don't need a shark cage (VPN).
I never use one and I have had zero issues. It's easy to block ads. Do not install 3rd party apps that you are unsure of. Basic computing.

Even if you do avoid shady sites, public unsecured Wi-Fi puts you at risk for anything involving authentication. That is the only time I ever worry about a VPN.

 

[Maljunulo]

Even if you do avoid shady sites, public unsecured Wi-Fi puts you at risk for anything involving authentication. That is the only time I ever worry about a VPN.

This, right here.