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Apple and Google are known for their emphasis on data privacy, but recent research reveals that some of the most popular VPN apps in their stores may expose users to privacy risksāallegedly due to ties to the Chinese government. Researchers are raising alarms about the security of virtual private networks (VPNs) that could be used by China to spy on unsuspecting users.
Overview of the Issue: Chinese-Backed VPN Apps
A report from the Tech Transparency Project (TTP), released on April 1, 2025, warns that 10 of the top 100 VPN apps in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store are covertly owned by Chinese companies. These apps, despite their popularity, are under legal obligation to comply with Chinese law, which mandates companies to hand over data to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) if requested.
VPNs are critical tools for protecting privacy, particularly for journalists, activists, and everyday users who need to safeguard their online activities. But when VPN apps are owned by companies linked to China, the risk becomes more than just hypothetical. The National Intelligence Law of 2017 compels Chinese entities to provide data to the government, which raises significant concerns about the integrity of these apps.
For example, the VPN app Turbo VPN, rated highly on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, is owned by Qihoo 360, a Chinese company sanctioned by the US Department of Commerce. However, users are unlikely to see the connection between the app and its Chinese ownership. Other problematic apps include VPN Proxy Master, Ostrich VPN, and X-VPNāall owned by Chinese companies or fronted by shell companies with misleading names.
What Undercode Say:
While these VPN apps seem like harmless, well-reviewed tools for protecting online privacy, their potential ties to China should raise alarm bells. It’s difficult for everyday users to detect the hidden ownership of these apps, and that’s where tech giants like Apple and Google are falling short in their duty to safeguard user privacy.
The role of VPNs is crucialāthese apps are designed to protect users’ digital footprints, including sensitive activities like online banking, business communications, and even browsing history. Therefore, if a VPN app is compromised, the consequences could be catastrophic, especially for people living under authoritarian regimes or those working with sensitive information.
The broader issue, however, lies in the failure of Apple and Google to act swiftly on these privacy concerns. Despite the TTPās report being released in April, many of the identified VPN apps are still available on both app stores. This lack of action raises questions about why Chinese-backed apps are still allowed to thrive in these stores, particularly when companies like Apple have previously removed apps at the request of the Chinese government.
The hypocrisy here is evidentāApple and Google have taken measures against apps like TikTok, which have been under scrutiny due to their Chinese ties, yet they seem less inclined to take action against VPNs that pose a far more significant privacy risk. Without proper due diligence or accountability, these tech giants are failing their users.
š Fact Checker Results:
ā
TTPās Report on VPN Risks: The Tech Transparency Projectās report is based on thorough research and offers credible claims about Chinese-backed VPN apps and their potential to expose user data.
ā
Legal Obligation for Chinese Companies: The National Intelligence Law of 2017 does indeed compel Chinese companies to cooperate with government surveillance.
ā Appleās Responsibility in VPN App Moderation: While Apple has removed apps at Chinaās request, there has been no recent action regarding Chinese-owned VPN apps, raising concerns about a double standard.
š Prediction:
In the near future, increased scrutiny on app store security practices may force both Apple and Google to review their app vetting processes more rigorously. Pressure from privacy advocates and governments could result in stricter regulations surrounding Chinese-backed apps. If these issues are left unchecked, it could lead to public backlash and potentially regulatory action against the platforms for failing to adequately protect usersā data privacy.
As the global conversation around digital sovereignty and privacy continues to grow, we could see a shift toward greater transparency in how VPN apps are vetted, and more robust protections put in place to safeguard users from covert surveillance.
References:
Reported By: www.darkreading.com
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