Onavo Protect, from Facebook

Onavo Protect, from Facebook, is a mobile VPN service designed to enhance your online privacy and data security. By encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address, it offers a secure browsing experience on public networks. The app also provides insights into data usage, helping you monitor app consumption while compressing data to save bandwidth. Its seamless integration with Facebook’s ecosystem and one-tap connectivity make it accessible for users seeking basic protection. However, its association with Facebook has sparked debates over data transparency.

Features of Onavo Protect, from Facebook:

1. VPN Encryption: Secures internet traffic with AES-256 encryption.

2. Data Usage Monitoring: Tracks app-specific data consumption in real time.

3. Automatic Wi-Fi Protection: Activates VPN when connecting to public networks.

4. Data Compression: Reduces mobile data usage by up to 20%.

5. Network Alerts: Notifies users of unsecured or suspicious connections.

6. Cross-Platform Sync: Compatible with iOS and Android devices.

Advantages of Onavo Protect, from Facebook:

1. Facebook’s Infrastructure: Leverages robust server networks for reliable connectivity.

2. User-Friendly Design: Simple interface with instant VPN activation.

3. Cost-Effective: Free to use without subscription fees.

4. Data-Saving Tools: Compression optimizes bandwidth for slower connections.

5. Behavioral Insights: Highlights which apps consume the most data.

Disadvantages of Onavo Protect, from Facebook:

1. Privacy Concerns: Facebook’s history of data harvesting undermines trust.

2. Discontinued Status: Removed from app stores in 2018–2019 for violating policies.

3. Limited Servers: Fewer global server options than competitors.

4. Speed Reduction: Data compression can slow browsing speeds.

Development Team:

Onavo Protect was developed by Onavo, an Israeli startup specializing in data analytics and compression, acquired by Facebook (now Meta) in 2013. While the team brought expertise in mobile security, their tools were controversially repurposed to analyze user behavior across third-party apps, fueling Facebook’s market research. The app’s shutdown followed scrutiny over unethical data practices.

Competitive Products:

- NordVPN: Superior privacy with a strict no-logs policy, but lacks free tier.

- ExpressVPN: Faster speeds and 160+ server locations, yet expensive.

- TunnelBear: Transparent audits and whimsical UI, but no data-saving features.

- Proton VPN: Open-source and ad-free, yet less intuitive for casual users.

Market Performance:

Prior to its removal, Onavo Protect amassed over 10 million downloads on Google Play, with a 3.8/5 rating. Post-controversy, ratings plummeted to 2.5/5 as users criticized hidden data collection. iOS reviews mirrored this decline, citing trust issues. Its legacy remains a cautionary tale about balancing utility with privacy.