[Feature request] Provide/Distribute Mullvad VPN through Accrescent Store

[pxlkng]

Currently the only direct way of getting Mullvad VPN on Android with automatic updates and avoiding Google is through the F-Droid store. This is not optimal and there are several issues with this approach, most notably F-Droids really slow update time, their signing of all apks with their own key and therefore generally weak security model. More reasons are listed in the article.

Probably the best alternative currently available is Accrescent, which does the concept of F-Droid right, with strong security mechanics like app signing key pinning, signed repository metadata, unprivileged automatic updates and developers own apk signing keys. (more also on their site) It also has some other nice features like support for split-apks.

While I don't request that Mullvad stops to distribute Mullvad VPN through F-Droid, I would like to suggest and strongly recommend also distributing Mullvad VPN through Accrescent as at least another, safer/better, option and to maybe additionally recommend this way of installing over F-Droid for people that avoid Google Play.

On a more personal note I also feel like Accrescent is much more user-friendly and not as bloated with excess unneeded features like F-Droid. I think it goes well with Mullvads principle of being secure, private and easy to use in one.

Thank you for making Mullvad VPN and I hope that this could be considered.

[BHydden]

If this is your first time hearing about Accrescent, please be aware it is still in alpha and lacks many QOL features. It is also white list only currently so if you're interested discuss the matter with the dev otherwise just bookmark it for later when Accrescent is ready for widespread adoption.

[Rawa]

Hello, thanks for the feature request!

We've had some internal discussions about deploying on Accrescent a few months back, and we have a ticket about evaluating if we should. The last few months we had some more pressing tasks but hopefully this is something we can do in the future.

[barbiehunter]

Are there any news ading Mullvad to Accrescent?

[Rawa]

No news as for right now I'm afraid. The feature request is still very much relevant and in our backlog on what we want to do. We've had other projects with more priority to take precedence. I don't want to give out an inaccurate timeline but the teams wish is that we are able to provide this in the near future.

[git70]

Hi guys!

I just wanted to add my +1! Acrescent is gaining more and more attention in the privacy/security community. It has also gained the approval of GrapheneOS and is included in their repository. I love Mullvad, but the competition is already in Accrescent, so I can't imagine this store without you ;)

[ghost]

I would love to see you there too!

[PrivacyAndSecurity]

I agree, that we would love to see Mullvad VPN on Accrescent! Maybe you ask why we want this or what Benefits it would have for us as Users.

The Benefits for me would be a few, like these:

• I could get Mullvad VPN from Accrescent, which I already installed and use to download Apps. I prefer Accrescent over Github, because on Accrescent the App get's checked before it comes to the Store and the Apps are always checked, like for example the SDK of Apps, if there is Malware and more.

• It would make it a lot easier for me and save me time, because Mullvad VPN is one of the few Apps, I use in Obtainium to download. And if my last few Apps would come to Accrescent, I wouldn't need to use Obtainium. I just use it until my last few Apps on there come to Accrescent.

• Apps on Github are not checked, but on Accrescent they are going trough Filters always. And I think that would make it more secure. And since Accrescent is on a good way in terms of Security and Privacy, I think that it will be really good in the Future. And I think that Apps which value Security and Privacy should make it available there. Because Accrescent have the same values in Security and Privacy.

• I really hope that you Guys could make that possible, because it would have great Benefits for us as Users. And think like that: If we support them by adding Apps, we help them to grow from Alpha to Stable.

[PrivacyAndSecurity]

Is there any Updates on this?