Microsoft has shared a support document confirming that its modern, Chromium-based browser, Edge, will be getting a built-in VPN for users who are interested in an easy way of adding a layer of anonymity to their browsing experience. The VPN is powered by Cloudflare, the company that most web users should be familiar with for its vast content delivery network and DDoS protection screens.
Use the Microsoft Edge Secure Network to protect your browsing (Microsoft)
Microsoft Edge helps keep you safe online. However, the networks you join may not be adequately secure. Microsoft Edge Secure Network can help you protect your device and sensitive data as you browse.
When using Microsoft Edge Secure network, your data is routed from Edge through an encrypted tunnel to create a secure connection, even when using a non-secure URL that starts with HTTP. This makes it harder for hackers to access your browsing data on a shared public Wi-Fi network.
Microsoft Edge Secure Network is a service provided in partnership with Cloudflare. Cloudflare is committed to privacy and collects a limited amount of diagnostic and support data acting as Microsoft’s data subprocessor in order to provide the services. Cloudflare permanently deletes the diagnostic and support data collected every 25 hours.
Microsoft has promised that its new secure network service only stores minimal data, but Edge users will need a Microsoft account to access the browser’s new VPN option. Other additions that Edge is getting in the near future include UI tweaks, such as rounded tabs with a Mica effect. It was recently reported that Microsoft Edge is now the second most popular desktop browser, having slipped ahead of Apple Safari and Mozilla Firefox.