Apple and Google Host Chinese VPNs Tied to Surveillance Risks

More than a month after initial disclosure, Chinese-owned VPNs, some linked to a U.S.-sanctioned firm, remain available in U.S. app stores, posing ongoing privacy and national security concerns, a new Tech Transparency Project spot check reveals.

The Tech Transparency Project (TTP), a watchdog group focused on technology accountability, published a follow-up investigation late last week, highlighting the persistent availability of Chinese-controlled virtual private network (VPN) apps in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This follow-up comes over six weeks after TTP's April 1 report initially exposed that more than 20 of the top 100 free VPN apps in the U.S. Apple App Store in 2024 had ties to Chinese firms. Despite clear evidence of Chinese ownership, including links to Qihoo 360, a Beijing-based cybersecurity company under U.S. sanctions, many of these apps remain downloadable and profitable within American digital marketplaces.

VPN apps are designed to secure internet connections and shield user identity, but they inherently gain broad visibility into a user's web traffic and online behavior. When these tools are owned by companies subject to Chinese national security laws, the risk escalates significantly, as firms in China can be legally compelled to hand over user data to government authorities. TTP flagged this as a serious concern, particularly given the failure of app store listings to disclose these ownership ties.

Qihoo 360, the central firm in the investigation, has been sanctioned by the U.S. government for its connections to China's People's Liberation Army. It is allegedly linked to several popular VPNs, including Turbo VPN, VPN Proxy Master, Snap VPN, and Signal Secure VPN. Although Apple removed some of these apps following media inquiries, others remain active in the App Store. Google Play continues to host all four VPNs linked to Qihoo 360, along with additional Chinese-owned offerings.

Qihoo 360 is a major player in China's cybersecurity landscape, known for its antivirus software, web browsers, and mobile tools. Its entanglement with multiple VPN providers raises red flags due to its government affiliations and previous security controversies.

The apps under scrutiny often obscure their Chinese affiliations through complex corporate structures and shell companies. For instance, Snap VPN and Signal Secure VPN list Autumn Breeze Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-registered firm, as the developer. While the company claims operational independence, TTP uncovered that corporate filings still list a director associated with Qihoo 360's mobile division, whose nationality is recorded as Chinese. This points to potential continued influence despite nominal ownership changes.

Beyond privacy risks, there's a commercial dimension. Nearly all the flagged VPN apps are “free” but monetize through in-app purchases or advertising. Apple and Google both take commissions from in-app sales, up to 30%, and may also profit from ad revenue shared with developers. TTP estimates that several of these apps have earned millions in the U.S. market. For example, X-VPN, listed by developer Free Connected Limited, has generated over $10 million in lifetime U.S. revenue on both platforms.

As of May 8, 2025, 13 Chinese-owned VPNs identified in the original report were still available in the Apple App Store, including Turbo VPN, VPN Proxy Master, and VPNIFY. In the Google Play Store, 11 such apps remained, with several also displaying in-app ads. AppMagic rankings show that some are among the most downloaded and top-grossing VPNs in the U.S., reflecting their continued popularity despite the warnings.

Below is the table with all the privacy-risky VPNs that remain available on mobile stores for U.S.-based users.

Apple App Store – 13 VPNs

App Name	Listed Developer	Notes
X-VPN – Super VPN & Best Proxy	Free Connected Limited	Revenue > $10M
Ostrich VPN – Proxy Master	GeWare Technology Limited
VPN Proxy Master – Super VPN	ALL Connected Co., Ltd.	Linked to Qihoo 360
Turbo VPN Private Browser	INNOVATIVE CONNECTING PTE. LIMITED	Linked to Qihoo 360
VPNIFY – Unlimited VPN	Neonetworks Solutions Ltd.
VPN Proxy OvpnSpider	WCOMES TECHNOLOGIES CO., LIMITED
WireVPN – Fast VPN & Proxy	WEILAI NETWORK TECHNOLOGY CO., LIMITED
Now VPN – Best VPN Proxy	world creation technology limited
Speedy Quark VPN – VPN Proxy	Hefei Single Machine Placement Technology Co., Ltd
Best VPN Proxy AppVPN	WCOMES TECHNOLOGIES CO., LIMITED
HulaVPN – Best Fast Secure VPN	Hula Link Technology Co., Ltd.
Wirevpn – Secure & Fast VPN	freevpn Ltd.
Pearl VPN	Xian YuanChuangYouPin Network Tech Limited

Google Play Store – 11 VPNs

App Name	Listed Developer	Notes
Turbo VPN – Secure VPN Proxy	Innovative Connecting	Linked to Qihoo 360
VPN Proxy Master – Safer VPN	LEMON CLOVE PTE. LIMITED	Linked to Qihoo 360
X-VPN – Private Browser VPN	Free Connected Limited	Revenue > $10M
Speedy Quark VPN – VPN Master	VPN – Fast Master Proxy Inc.
vpnify – Unlimited VPN Proxy	VPNIFY
Ostrich VPN – Proxy Unlimited	Geware VPN Pro
Snap VPN: Super Fast VPN Proxy	AUTUMN BREEZE PTE. LIMITED	Linked to Qihoo 360
Signal Secure VPN – Robot VPN	AUTUMN BREEZE PTE. LIMITED	Linked to Qihoo 360
VPN Proxy OvpnSpider	WCOMES TECHNOLOGIES CO., LIMITED
HulaVPN – Fast Secure VPN	Hula Link
VPN Proxy AppVPN	WCOMES TECHNOLOGIES CO., LIMITED

Neither Apple nor Google provided a comment to TTP, and most developers of the flagged apps did not respond to the organization's inquiries. Google's transparency guidelines for app developers remain vague on VPN-specific obligations, while Apple prohibits selling or sharing user data but relies heavily on self-declared compliance.

Users concerned about privacy should research VPN ownership before installation, only trust reputable, audited providers, and consider offerings from jurisdictions with strong privacy laws. Always treat free VPNs with caution, as these often monetize through data collection, ads, or upsells.

Here's our list of the best Free VPN apps you can trust right now, and here are the best low-cost VPN services that passed our rigorous evaluation tests. If you're looking for a free trial with no strings attached, consider one of those offerings.