Dozens of VPN Apps on App Stores Hide Chinese Links, Exposing User Data
A new report from the Tech Transparency Project reveals that more than two dozen private browsing apps on Apple and Google's app stores have undisclosed ties to Chinese companies, potentially exposing user data to the Chinese government. The report highlights 13 VPN apps on Apple's App Store and 11 on Google's Play Store linked to Chinese firms, which are legally obligated to share data with the government. Several apps are connected to Qihoo 360, a Chinese cybersecurity firm sanctioned by the U.S. Apple responded that it allows apps as long as they comply with its guidelines and local laws, and that it has guidelines for VPN developers prohibiting data sharing with third parties. However, this raises serious concerns about U.S. user data security, echoing similar anxieties surrounding potential TikTok bans.
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