WireGuard VPN Added to Android 12’s Linux Kernel Code

COVID-19 has entirely changed the way we live our lives. Many businesses are operating from home and the need for a good and secure internet connection has increased more than ever. Why “secure internet”? Because many of us don’t want our internet service provider to know what we’re doing and keep track of our activities.

Now, after WireGuard VPN’s addition to the Linux kernel 5.6, Google has added it to Android 12’s Linux Kernel 5.4 Tree. For starters, WireGuard VPN is a next-gen VPN protocol built on modern cryptography standards to ensure internet security.

Also Read: What is VPN and How Does It Work?

The news came in when folks over XDA spotted new commits to the Android 12-5.4 tree. Included in these commits were the WireGuard VPN protocol and the option to enable it in the Android Kernel. The commit was described as “add native kernel support for a sane VPN” and was added by one of the most reputed developers, Greg KH.

It should be noted that the first devices to support WireGuard’s VPN will be the ones that ship with Android 12 in 2021, running the Linux Kernel version 5.4. However, the previous iteration of flagship devices will also get this feature once the OEM updates them to Android 12 with kernel versions 4.19 or 5.4.

Google also needs to add APIs to the interface alongside kernel module before users can use the VPN; Google might start working on the same very soon.

If you own a Pixel, you can take advantage of this kernel acceleration by installing it by rooting your device. If you’re into the Android development scene, you can try custom kernels for your device with WireGuard support from XDA.