More than a dozen private browsing apps on Apple and Google’s app stores have undisclosed ties to Chinese companies, leaving user data at risk of exposure to the Chinese government, according to a new report from the Tech Transparency Project.
Thirteen virtual private network (VPN) apps on Apple’s App Store and 11 apps on Google’s Play Store have ties to Chinese companies, the tech watchdog group said in the report released Thursday.
Chinese law requires Chinese companies to share data with the government upon request, creating privacy and security risks for American users.
Several of the apps, including two on both app stores and two others on Google Play Store, have ties to Chinese cybersecurity firm Qihoo 360, which has been sanctioned by the U.S. government, according to the report.
The Tech Transparency Project previously identified more than 20 VPN apps on Apple’s App Store with Chinese ties in an April report. The iPhone maker has since removed three apps linked to Qihoo 360.
“After being informed of this issue once already, Apple and Google continue to make many of these VPN apps available to Americans without warning them of the security risks,” said Michelle Kuppersmith, executive director at Campaign for Accountability, the group behind the Tech Transparency Project.
“It’s now fair to question whether the large profits Apple and Google make from their app stores have anything to do with this inaction,” Kuppersmith added in a statement.
Apple underscored that it does not limit app ownership by country and allows apps on its App Store so long as they comply with its guidelines and local laws. The iPhone maker also noted that it has guidelines for developers of VPN apps that prohibit them from disclosing data to third parties and requires them to clearly state what user data will be collected and how it will be used.
The Hill has reached out to Google for comment.
Concerns surrounding the Chinese government’s ability to access American user data is at the center of the push to ban TikTok or force the app to divest from its China-based parent company ByteDance.
The popular video-sharing platform still remains available in the U.S., despite a law requiring TikTok to divest or face a U.S. ban, as President Trump has repeatedly deferred enforcement as he seeks to strike a deal with China.
The next TikTok deadline is fast approaching on June 19. However, the Trump administration is reportedly considering another extension, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Updated at 1:18 p.m. EDT
