ExpressVPN Adds Private AI Assistant and Major Upgrades
▼ Summary
– ExpressVPN is expanding from a VPN provider into a broader security suite with new services: ExpressKeys (password manager), ExpressMailGuard (email masking), and the upcoming ExpressAI.
– ExpressAI is a private AI platform using confidential computing and encryption to protect user data and prompts from being used for AI training or profiling.
– ExpressKeys is a new standalone password manager with features like autofill, cross-device sync, and a password generator, separate from the previous integrated VPN app feature.
– ExpressMailGuard provides universal email masking by generating disposable email addresses linked to a user’s real inbox, helping to control spam and protect privacy.
– Older versions of ExpressVPN apps will be retired on March 31, 2026, requiring users to update to maintain service access as the company overhauls its offerings.
ExpressVPN is significantly expanding its portfolio beyond traditional virtual private network services, introducing a suite of new tools focused on comprehensive digital security and privacy. The company recently unveiled ExpressKeys and ExpressMailGuard, with a private AI assistant named ExpressAI slated for a future release. This strategic shift moves the provider from a VPN specialist toward becoming a full-fledged security platform, directly competing with other major players in the space. Users of older app versions should be aware that support will end on March 31, 2026, necessitating an update to maintain service access.
The newly launched services target distinct areas: confidential computing, password management, and email privacy. ExpressAI is positioned as a “private-by-design” artificial intelligence platform that aims to let users interact with AI models without the risk of their queries being used for training or profiling. It employs an enclave architecture with zero-access end-to-end encryption, loading files only into temporary memory and automatically deleting messages after a set time. During initial testing, the platform provided generally quick responses and featured a useful comparison tool for evaluating outputs from different AI models side by side. Available models at launch are expected to include GPTOSS 20B, DeepSeek R1 Distill, Qwen2-VL 2B, Qwen3 32B, and NVIDIA Nemotron.
ExpressKeys represents a major upgrade to the company’s password management capabilities, evolving from an integrated feature into a standalone application for Android and iOS. This new dedicated manager focuses on credential management with features like autofill, secure note storage, financial data protection, cross-device synchronization, and a password generator. It also functions as an authenticator and supports biometric unlocking on mobile devices. Existing ExpressVPN Keys users can migrate their data seamlessly by logging in with their current credentials, with the old integrated version remaining functional temporarily to ensure a smooth transition.
For email privacy, ExpressMailGuard offers a universal email masking service now included in ExpressVPN subscriptions. It allows users to create disposable email aliases that forward to their real inbox, compatible with providers like Gmail or Outlook. This lets people sign up for online services or make purchases without revealing their primary email address, helping to trace and block spam at its source. The service includes a user-friendly dashboard with granular controls, such as rules for forwarding emails and options for creating custom aliases with shared or dedicated domains.
ExpressKeys and ExpressMailGuard are available across ExpressVPN’s Basic, Pro, and Advanced plan tiers, with feature access varying by subscription level. The launch of ExpressAI has been delayed to ensure quality, according to the company. This expansion, which also includes the existing Identity Defender service for US customers, signals a clear strategic direction. Similar to competitors like NordVPN, ExpressVPN is broadening its focus from consumer VPN services to a more holistic security solution encompassing credential management, email protection, and identity security.
While the immediate impact of ExpressAI remains to be seen, its emphasis on encryption and data protection could attract users concerned about privacy in the AI space. The overall suite modernization underscores the provider’s commitment to adapting to evolving digital security needs. All users should plan to update their applications before the March 2026 deadline for older versions to ensure uninterrupted access to the VPN network and these new features.
(Source: ZDNET)
