Google Cuts Down NetNut Proxy Network Hitting 2 Million Homes

Emily Davis · 2026-07-02

Google just dealt a serious blow to one of the largest residential proxy networks out there. NetNut, also known as Popa, turned everyday home devices into rented relays for other people's internet traffic. This week, Google's Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) announced they've slashed the network's pool of usable devices by millions. Working alongside the FBI, Lumen, and other partners, Google disrupted a system that had quietly spread across more than 2 million home devices. If you've ever wondered how some people hide their online activities, this is a big piece of the puzzle. ### What Exactly Is NetNut? NetNut is a residential proxy network. That means it uses real home IP addresses to route traffic. Normally, when you visit a website, your IP address tells the site where you are. But with a proxy like NetNut, your traffic bounces through someone else's device first. Think of it like this: You're mailing a letter, but instead of your return address, you use your neighbor's. The recipient thinks the letter came from next door. NetNut did this on a massive scale, turning ordinary home routers and devices into relay points. Google says NetNut's network was huge. We're talking over 2 million devices spread across homes worldwide. That's a lot of neighbors unknowingly hosting other people's traffic. ### How Did Google Pull This Off? Google didn't do this alone. They teamed up with the FBI and Lumen, a major internet infrastructure company. Together, they identified the devices being used and worked to cut them off from the network. The result? A massive reduction in NetNut's usable pool. Google says they've degraded the network significantly. For anyone relying on NetNut for anonymity, this is a game changer. - Google's Threat Intelligence Group led the operation - The FBI provided law enforcement support - Lumen helped identify and block compromised devices ### Why Should You Care? You might be thinking, "I'm not using NetNut, so why does this matter?" Well, residential proxy networks like this are often used for shady stuff. Things like credential stuffing, ad fraud, and bypassing geo-restrictions. But here's the thing: They're also used by legitimate businesses for market research and testing. The problem is, when a network is this big, it's hard to control who's using it and for what. For everyday people, this disruption means fewer home devices are being unknowingly turned into relays. That's a win for privacy and security. ### What This Means for Antidetect Browser Users If you're using an antidetect browser to manage multiple online identities, this news hits close to home. Many antidetect setups rely on residential proxies to keep accounts looking legit. With NetNut degraded, finding reliable proxy sources just got harder. - Expect higher prices for residential proxies as supply drops - Be more careful about which proxy providers you trust - Consider rotating between different proxy types to stay under the radar ### The Bigger Picture Google's takedown of NetNut isn't just about one network. It's a signal that big tech and law enforcement are getting serious about residential proxy abuse. We'll likely see more crackdowns like this in the future. For now, if you're in the antidetect browser space, take this as a reminder: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Diversify your proxy sources and stay updated on industry news. ### Final Thoughts Google's move against NetNut is a big deal. It shows how much power these networks had and how vulnerable they are to coordinated takedowns. For the average user, it's a good thing. For those relying on residential proxies, it's time to adapt. Stay safe out there, and always think about where your traffic is really coming from.