- New research found that Apple and Google offer VPN apps without disclosing their Chinese ownership.
- Can have relationships with at least five Shanghai -based firm believed that there are relations with the Chinese Army
- Experts first highlighted this danger in April 2025
At least 17 China-Linked Free VPN apps can still be hidden in Apple and Google App Store, and Big Tech can be profitable-such as new research has shown.
In April, experts at Tech Transparency Project (TTP) first exposed millions of people Free VPN users in 20 apps may have sent their data to China without leaving it. Five of these were reported to have a relationship with Kyahu 360, a Shanghai-based firm that there are relations with the Chinese army.
Now, about six weeks later, TTP researchers have found that most of these VPNs are still available in US Apple and Google App Store. He also said that there is evidence that Apple and Google can also benefit from these apps.
Are free VPN affected?
The preliminary report of the TTP found that out of the top 100 free VPN available at the US Apple App Store, there were undeclared relations with China.
Five of these apps (Turbo VPN, VPN Proxy Master, Thunder VPN, SNAP VPN, and Signal Secure VPN) are allegedly associated with Kyohu 360 – a company Sanctioned American On national security basis for its alleged relations with the Chinese Army in June 2020.
While the best VPN services promise to promote online confidentiality and work with strict no-log policies, Chinese-owned VPN is subjected to strict data retention rules and can be forced to share user data with the government at request.
After another check in May, A Update the report It is claimed that, despite some of these deleted, “Two other apps were available in the QIHOO 360-Turbo VPN and VPN Proxy Master-US Apple App Store, as well as 11 other Chinese-owned apps identified in TTP reports.”
The latter is X -VPN, Osteric VPN, VPNIFI, VPN Proxy OVPNSPIDR, Wirvapan – Fast VPN and Proxy, Now VPN, Speed Quark VPN, Best VPN Proxy APVPN, Hulvap, and Moti VPN.
New: Apple and Google’s App Store continue to offer VPNS which are owned by Chinese companies, which have been identified for the first time after 6 weeks of TTP. The latest findings also show that Apple and Google membership can benefit from these apps by cutting revenue. pic.twitter.com/fgzvbhptowJune 12, 2025
Researchers also found that Google Play Store in the US offered 11 free VPN apps with shady Chinese ownership, including four QIHOO 360-connected services (Turbo VPN, VPN Proxy Master, SNAP VPN and Signal Secure VPN).
Others are X-VPN, Speedy Quark VPN, VPNIFI, Osterich VPN, VPN Proxy Ovopider, Hulvap, and VPNPROXIPN.
Not only this, however. During the Spot Czech of the TTP, the researchers noticed that some VPNs listed as free in the app store offer in-app purchases at the top.
The new report states, “This means that Apple and Google can earn profits from these Chinese-owned VPN, when American pays for membership or other add-on,” reads the new report.
On the Google Play Store, some Chinese -owned VPN also come with a banner, stating that they include advertisements.
The TTP stated that most of the apple, Google, QIHOO 360, and most apps listed developers did not respond to their request for comments.
Techradar contacted both Google and Apple for comment.
Apple told Techradar that the company has some strict guidelines for the VPN app developers, including not using or disclosing any data for any purpose. Nevertheless, Apple said that it does not limit the app distribution on the basis of the provider.
We are still waiting for the response from Google at the time of publication.
We can confirm that the VPN apps associated with China are also available in the UK official app store, and it is likely that other markets are also affected.
If you are looking for a reliable free VPN service, we recommend you to check our dedicated guide here. Today’s top recommendations are Privado VPN and Proton VPN.
