Published on: 2025-03-28

Intelligence Report: Mullvad VPN brings Multihop to Android promising to make online tracking even harder – TechRadar

1. BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

Mullvad VPN has introduced a Multihop feature to its Android app, enhancing user privacy by rerouting traffic through multiple servers in different jurisdictions. This development is significant for users seeking advanced privacy measures and poses challenges to entities attempting to track online activities.

2. Detailed Analysis

The following structured analytic techniques have been applied for this analysis:

General Analysis

Mullvad VPN’s new Multihop feature on Android allows users to route their internet traffic through multiple servers located in different countries. This method increases the difficulty for adversaries to track users’ online activities, as it requires a more complex timing attack across various locations. The feature is already available on other platforms, such as iOS and Windows, and now extends to Android, broadening its user base and enhancing privacy options for mobile users.

3. Implications and Strategic Risks

The introduction of Multihop on Android has several implications:

• Increased Privacy: Users can achieve a higher level of anonymity, complicating efforts by surveillance entities to monitor online behavior.
• Regulatory Challenges: Governments may face difficulties in enforcing digital surveillance and data collection laws.
• Market Competition: Other VPN providers may need to innovate to remain competitive, potentially leading to a surge in advanced privacy features across the industry.

4. Recommendations and Outlook

Recommendations:

• Government agencies should assess the impact of enhanced VPN features on digital surveillance capabilities and consider regulatory adjustments.
• Organizations should evaluate the use of Multihop VPNs in their cybersecurity strategies to protect sensitive data.
• Encourage collaboration between technology developers and policymakers to balance privacy and security needs.

Outlook:

Best-case scenario: The widespread adoption of Multihop VPNs leads to improved user privacy without significant regulatory backlash.

Worst-case scenario: Governments impose strict regulations on VPN usage, potentially limiting access to privacy-enhancing technologies.

Most likely outcome: A gradual increase in the adoption of Multihop VPNs, prompting ongoing discussions between tech companies and regulators to find a balance between privacy and security.

5. Key Individuals and Entities

The report mentions Chiara and Mullvad VPN as significant entities involved in the development and reporting of the Multihop feature. Their roles and affiliations are not specified in this analysis.