Microsoft has introduced a built in Secure Network VPN in Edge browser version 110. The rollout is currently limited to a subset of users, with broader availability expected in the near future. This feature marks a collaboration between Microsoft and Cloudflare to enhance privacy protection for people who use Edge on public networks.
The Secure Network VPN offers a free data allowance of up to 1 GB. After reaching this cap, users may experience reduced performance or require adjustments to continue using the service. The model used here focuses on safeguarding user activity rather than providing access to restricted content or enabling the circumvention of regional controls.
Microsoft explains that Secure Network operates differently from conventional VPN services. Rather than masking a user’s location to bypass geo restrictions, the system automatically selects a server in the user’s local region. This design aims to maintain fast, reliable connections while ensuring online privacy, especially on shared or unsecured networks.
In practice, Secure Network is intended to shield personal data from common threats on public Wi-Fi and other networks where attackers might try to monitor traffic. The feature emphasizes privacy protection, rather than altering the user’s apparent location or granting access to blocked resources. In Edge 110, the VPN provides three modes: Selected Sites, Optimized, and All Sites. These options let users tailor the level of protection and the scope of sites that benefit from the encryption tunnel.
In parallel developments, Microsoft has also refreshed its Bing search experience with an updated model of its accompanying chat assistant. The goal behind these updates is to deliver more accurate, contextually aware responses while integrating seamlessly with existing search results.
Overall, the Edge Secure Network VPN represents a privacy focused addition to the browser that prioritizes secure connections and user protection in public networks. The partnership with Cloudflare reinforces a practical approach to online privacy without enabling misuse of the service for bypassing regional restrictions. Users in Canada and the United States can expect continued improvements and broader access as the rollout continues.