China-Linked VPNs Still Offered in Apple and Google Stores, Report Warns

Chinese-owned VPN apps remain available in major app stores, raising concerns about user privacy and national security.

China-linked VPNs still thrive in Apple and Google App Stores

A new report from the Tech Transparency Project (TTP) uncovers a worrying blind spot in the Apple and Google app ecosystems. Despite growing concerns over data privacy issues, both companies continue to host free virtual private network (VPN) apps owned by China-based firms, often without disclosing those ownership ties to users.

This lack of transparency could have profound implications. Under Chinese law, domestic companies can be compelled to cooperate with state intelligence services, potentially compromising user data and privacy. VPNs are widely used for securing communications and evading surveillance, making their ownership and jurisdiction critical pieces of information for privacy-conscious users.

Apps tied to sanctioned Chinese cyber firm remain available

The latest findings follow an earlier TTP investigation revealing that 20 of the top 100 free VPN apps in Apple’s US App Store in 2023 had links to Chinese entities. Notably, five were connected to Qihoo 360, a Chinese internet security company sanctioned by the US Commerce Department due to its alleged ties to China’s People Liberation Army (PLA).

While three of those Qihoo-linked apps have since been removed, two of them—Turbo VPN and VPN Proxy Master—are still available in Apple’s store. Both are also listed on Google’s Play Store, alongside other apps connected to Qihoo or other Chinese companies.

As The Register reports, numerous apps were uncovered by TTP as of May 8:

On the Apple App Store:

• X-VPN - Super VPN & Best Proxy
• Ostrich VPN - Proxy Master
• VPN Proxy Master - Super VPN
• Turbo VPN Private Browser
• VPNIFY - Unlimited VPN
• VPN Proxy OvpnSpider
• WireVPN - Fast VPN & Proxy
• Now VPN - Best VPN Proxy
• Speedy Quark VPN - VPN Proxy
• Best VPN Proxy AppVPN
• HulaVPN - Best Fast Secure VPN
• Wirevpn - Secure & Fast VPN
• Pearl VPN

These 11 VPN apps are available on the Google Play Store:

• Turbo VPN - Secure VPN Proxy
• VPN Proxy Master - Safer Vpn
• X-VPN - Private Browser VPN
• Speedy Quark VPN - VPN Master
• vpnify - Unlimited VPN Proxy
• Ostrich VPN - Proxy Unlimited
• Snap VPN: Super Fast VPN Proxy
• Signal Secure VPN - Robot VPN
• VPN Proxy OvpnSpider
• HulaVPN - Fast Secure VPN
• VPN Proxy AppVPN

Ownership disclosure remains murky in both ecosystems

A central issue flagged in the report is that app developers aren’t required to disclose their country of origin. Neither Apple nor Google mandates this across the board, and carving out an exception for VPN apps could stir complaints of unequal treatment.

However, that policy gap leaves users in the dark about who really controls the tools they rely on to protect their privacy. Apple’s VPN guidelines do prohibit third-party data sharing, but it’s unclear how such rules can be enforced internationally. Google, meanwhile, emphasizes transparency in general but lacks VPN-specific safeguards.

The importance of safeguarding your privacy online

While free VPNs may seem convenient, they often come at a hidden cost: your data. Many display intrusive ads, embed user-tracking technology and sell browsing data to the highest bidder.

In some cases, they may even operate under opaque foreign ownership, further muddying the waters of trust. A trustworthy solution like Bitdefender Premium VPN avoids these risks entirely by offering secure, fast, and no-logs protection without compromising your privacy.