Android 17 is bringing one of the most important mobile privacy upgrades in years. With support for Encrypted Client Hello, or ECH, compatible Android connections can hide the names of websites and online services from internet providers and other network observers.

That sounds remarkably similar to what a VPN promises. If Android can already conceal the websites you visit, do you still need a VPN?

The short answer is YES. ECH closes an important privacy gap, but it does not hide your IP address, replace your location, protect unsupported traffic or create an encrypted tunnel for everything your device sends. ECH and a VPN solve different parts of the privacy problem - and work best together. read more...