Google Project Zero’s Reporting Transparency trial adds an early public status notice after it reports a vulnerability to a vendor; it does not publish the vulnerability’s technical details early or change the stated 90-day remediation window and 30-day patch-adoption period. Announced on July 29, 2025, the trial is intended to help downstream product makers identify issues that may affect them while an upstream fix is still being developed. Project Zero has not reported results showing that the change has shortened patching times or reduced exploitation.
What is the upstream patch gap?
The upstream patch gap is the time between a supplier fixing a vulnerability and the makers of products that depend on that supplier integrating the fix. It is an earlier stage of the broader patch gap, which can also include the time between an update becoming available and an end user installing it.
That distinction matters for products built from components supplied by others. A component vendor may have a fix, while a downstream manufacturer still needs to assess whether its product is affected, incorporate the change, test it, and deliver an update. Project Zero says its recent attention to foundational technologies such as chipsets and drivers made this upstream delay more visible.
Android illustrates how fixes can move through a dependency chain. Google’s Android Security Bulletins overview says fixes may originate in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), the upstream Linux kernel, or system-on-chip manufacturers. Platform fixes are made available through AOSP, while manufacturers can obtain kernel or SoC fixes from their respective sources. This is an example of possible routes, not a claim that every Android patch follows the same path.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What does Project Zero disclose earlier?
Under the trial, Project Zero says it will publish a notice within approximately one week after reporting a vulnerability. The notice is intended to identify:
- The vendor or open-source project that received the report
- The affected product
- The date the report was filed
- When the 90-day disclosure deadline expires
“Approximately one week” is Project Zero’s stated timing, not a guaranteed exact seven-day deadline. The notice supplies status and coordination information rather than an early technical account of the bug.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Project Zero says it will withhold technical details, proof-of-concept code, and other information it believes would materially assist discovery until the disclosure deadline. The early notice is therefore not the same as publishing a vulnerability write-up or exploit instructions.
Does the 90+30 policy still apply?
Yes. Project Zero describes the trial as adding a communication step at the start of its process, while retaining its existing 90+30 framework. Its July 29, 2025 announcement says vendors still have 90 days to fix a reported issue before disclosure. If a fix is released within that window, the additional 30 days are intended to give users time to adopt the patch.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Stage | What Project Zero says happens |
|---|---|
| Early notice | Within approximately one week of reporting, a status notice identifies the recipient, affected product, report date, and 90-day deadline. |
| Remediation window | The vendor has 90 days to fix the reported issue before disclosure. |
| Adoption period | If a fix is released before the deadline, a further 30 days are allowed for patch adoption. |
| Technical disclosure | Project Zero says it will not release technical details or proof-of-concept code before the deadline. |
The early notice does not restart or replace the remediation clock. Google Big Sleep, which the announcement describes as a collaboration between Google DeepMind and Google Project Zero, is also to trial the policy for its vulnerability reports.
Why announce a vulnerability before it is fixed?
The intended audience includes downstream makers that may rely on an affected upstream component but would not otherwise know a report exists. A timely signal could help them check whether their products use the component, prepare to integrate a fix, and communicate with the upstream supplier while the remediation window is running.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Project Zero frames the goal as improving upstream and downstream communication and speeding fixes and patch adoption. Tim Willis of Google Project Zero put the end-user distinction this way: “For the end user, a vulnerability isn’t fixed when a patch is released from Vendor A to Vendor B; it’s only fixed when they download the update and install it on their device.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Could the notice help attackers?
Project Zero acknowledges that a public notice may draw attention to an unresolved issue. Its stated safeguard is to omit technical details, proof-of-concept code, and information it believes would materially assist discovery before the deadline. That reduces the amount of actionable information in the notice, but the announcement does not establish that all risk from increased attention is eliminated.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Project Zero also recognizes a potential downside for a vendor with no downstream dependents: public attention may be unwelcome when that vendor is the only party able to address the issue. The policy is a trial, not a finding that early public notices are risk-free in every case.
What has the trial established so far?
The July 29, 2025 post documents the proposed process and its rationale. It does not report outcome statistics showing that the notices have shortened time-to-fix, sped downstream integration, increased user patching, or reduced exploitation. Those are hoped-for effects that Project Zero says it will monitor, not demonstrated results.
For the policy itself, the key distinction is between earlier visibility and earlier technical disclosure: downstream parties may learn that a report exists and when its deadline falls, while the established remediation window remains in place and technical details are withheld before that deadline.
Sources: Google Project Zero, “Policy and Disclosure: 2025 Edition” (July 29, 2025); Android Security Bulletins overview.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
