- New research has shown that Apple and Google continue to offer VPN apps without displaying their Chinese ownership
- May have a relationship with at least five Shanghai -based firm believed that there were links with the Chinese army
- Experts first revealed this risk in April 2025
At least 17-China-connected VPN apps can still be hidden in Apple and Google App Stores, and can make Big Tech profits-as new research has revealed.
In April, the Tech Transparency Project (TTP) experts first revealed millions Free VPN users of 20 apps have sent their data to China without leaving. Five of them have been reported to have a relationship with a Shanghai -based firm, Qaho 360, who believes they have links with the Chinese Army.
Now, almost six weeks later, TTP researchers have found that most of them are still available in US Apple and Google App Stores. He also said that he had found evidence that Apple and Google could also be profitable with these apps.
Free VPNS Who are affected?
TTP preliminary reports that more than 20 out of the top 100 available at the US Apple App Store have an unknown relationship with China.
Five of these are allegedly linked to the Koho 360 of the apps (Turbo VPN, VPN Proxy Master, Thunder VPN, Snap VPN, and Signal Secure VPN). America approved On the basis of national security for alleged relations with the Chinese military in June 2020.
Although the best VPN services promises to promote online privacy and work with strict NO log policies, Chinese -owned VPNS is subjected to strict data maintaining strict data and can be forced to share user data with the government on request.
After another check in May, one Update the report These claims are that some of them have been removed, “two other apps that are connected to Koho 360-tribbo VPN and VPN Proxy Master-USS Apple App Store were available with 11 other Chinese-owned apps identified in the TTP report.”
The latter is X -vpn, ostrich vpn, vpnify, VPN proxy ovpnspider, wirevpn – fast VPN and proxy, now VPN, high -speed VPN, excellent VPN proxy APPVPN, Hulavpn, and Pearl VPN.
New: Apple and Google’s App Stores have continued to offer VPNs, which is owned by Chinese companies 6 weeks after the TTP was first identified. The latest results also show that Apple and Google can benefit from these apps by deducting subscription revenue. pic.twitter.com/fgzvbhptowJune 12, 2025
Researchers also found that the Google Play Store in the United States offered 11 free VPN apps with shade sugar ownership, which included four Koho 360 -linked services (Turbo VPN, VPN Proxy Master, Snap VPN, and Signal Secure VPN).
The other are X-WPN, high-speed quark VPN, VPNify, Ostrich VPN, VPN proxy ovpnspider, hulavpn, and vpnproxy appvpn.
Not only, though. During the TTP’s May Spot check, researchers saw that some of the top VPNs listed in App Stores offered to purchase the app.
The new report states that “this means that Apple and Google are benefiting from the Chinese -owned VPN when the US pays for subscriptions or other ads.”
At the Google Play Store, some Chinese -owned VPNs also come with a banner saying that they have ads.
The TTP said that Apple, Google, Koho 360, and most of the apps listed developers did not respond to their comment.
Tekadar contacted both Google and Apple for a comment.
Apple told Tekradar that the company has some stringent guidelines for the VPN app developers, which include the third party not to use or disclose any data for any purpose. Nevertheless, Apple said that the app distribution is not limited on this basis where the provider is based.
We are still looking forward to Google’s response at the time of publication.
We can confirm that China -connected VPN apps are also available in the UK’s official app stores, and that other markets are likely to be affected.
If you are looking for reliable free VPN service, we advise you to check our dedicated guide here. Today’s first recommendations are Predo VPN and Proton VPN.
