Google has taken decisive action to dismantle one of the world’s largest residential proxy networks, IPIDEA, in a major cybersecurity operation aimed at protecting millions of consumer devices from abuse by cybercriminals and state-sponsored hackers. Residential proxy networks are often used to route malicious internet traffic through compromised consumer devices. In addition, Google implemented automatic protections for Android users through Google Play Protect, helping prevent further exploitation of vulnerable devices. As part of the takedown, at least 13 residential proxy brands linked to IPIDEA were taken offline. This crackdown underscores the growing threat posed by residential proxy abuse and the increasing role of major technology companies in defending users.