A report by the Technology Transparency Project (TTP) raises serious concerns about 17 VPN apps, with connections to a Chinese cybersecurity firm, Qihoo 360, which is under U.S. sanctions for potential ties to the Chinese military. The apps, available on both Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store, include VPNify, Ostrich VPN, and Now VPN, and avoid any mention of Chinese ownership in their listings.
VPNs are used to protect privacy and bypass censorship, but many retain user data if they don’t implement strict deletion policies. Given Chinese laws allowing government access to stored personal data without a warrant, users of these VPNs may unknowingly risk exposing their online activities to the Chinese government. TTP director Katie Paul emphasized the vulnerability of using Chinese-owned VPNs, highlighting the potential for extensive data collection by authorities.
The TTP’s investigation linked the apps to companies based in Singapore that Qihoo 360 reportedly acquired in 2019. Developers of these apps deny ties to Chinese entities, with one asserting its independence, although its privacy policy requires compliance with Chinese law. Qihoo 360 has a history of serving Chinese state clients, raising further concerns.
While Apple and Google declined to comment on the specific apps, tech policy expert Peter Micek critiqued the apparent oversight by these companies in potentially allowing sanctioned entities to operate under misleading names. The report underscores the need for tech companies to conduct thorough due diligence to avoid violations of U.S. sanctions aimed at preventing business with entities linked to the Chinese military and cybercrime.
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