Beware: Five VPN apps on App Store found linked to Chinese military

VPNs are meant to safeguard users' privacy and protect their online activity. But what if the very apps designed for security are secretly tracking you? A recent investigation by the Tech Transparency Project and the Financial Times has uncovered alarming ties between at least five VPN apps and the Chinese military.

The VPNs in Question:

1. Turbo VPN

2. VPN Proxy Master

3. Thunder VPN

4. Snap VPN

5. Signal Secure VPN (not affiliated with the Signal messaging app)

These apps, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, have connections to Qihoo 360, a cybersecurity firm sanctioned by the U.S. in 2020 due to its alleged military affiliations. The U.S. Department of Defense has even classified Qihoo 360 as a military-affiliated entity.

Suspicious Hiring Practices

The investigation further revealed that another firm involved, Guangzhou Lianchuang, has been hiring personnel to monitor and analyze platform data. Disturbingly, the company is specifically seeking employees familiar with American culture, raising concerns about what exactly is being tracked and for what purpose.

Apple’s Response: Too Little, Too Late?

After being alerted by the Financial Times, Apple swiftly removed Thunder VPN and Snap VPN from the App Store. However, Turbo VPN, VPN Proxy Master, and Signal Secure VPN remain available, leaving many users questioning why these apps haven’t been taken down.

Apple has since stated that it prioritizes user privacy and security and will remove any VPN app that fails to meet its strict guidelines. However, this discovery highlights serious gaps in how VPN apps are vetted before being listed on app stores.

For users who have downloaded any of these apps, cybersecurity experts recommend immediately uninstalling them and switching to a reputable VPN provider to safeguard their data.