- FBI warns that Chinese apps can expose sensitive user data
- Apps may collect contacts and personal information beyond use
- Users are advised to limit permissions and update devices regularly
The FBI is warning U.S. citizens that using mobile apps developed by Chinese companies could put your sensitive data at risk, as well as the data of your friends, family, and other people in your contact list.
In a new public service announcement, the FBI said that apps that maintain digital infrastructure in China are subject to the country’s national security laws that allow the government to access mobile app users’ data.
“Users should know what user data these apps request access to when downloading them,” the public service announcement reads. “When the user allows access, the app can collect data and private information from users persistently across the entire device, not just within the app or while the app is active.”
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The FBI highlighted three specific problems: the fact that some apps offer the option to invite friends and contacts, the fact that some apps tell their users where the collected personal information is stored, and that some apps may contain information-stealing malware.
Those that offer invitations, if installed with default permissions, can collect data in users’ address books, including people’s names, email addresses, and phone numbers.
“This permission gives apps access to a large amount of personal information that belongs to both users and non-users in their contact lists,” the FBI warned.
Although the FBI did not explicitly discourage the use of Chinese-made apps, it did say that users should disable “unnecessary” data sharing, download only verified apps from official app stores, and change their passwords regularly. Additionally, users are encouraged to regularly update their devices and read the terms of service and end-user license agreements before downloading apps.
According to appfigures.com, the top Android apps in the US right now are:
1. ChatGPT (built in USA)
2. TikTok Lite (based in Singapore and Los Angeles, but overall Chinese app)
3. WhatsApp (Built in USA)
4. Temu (built in China)
5. TikTok (same as TikTok Lite)
6. PDF and Launcher for Android (Hong Kong)
7. Monopoly Go!Chat (Built in the USA)
8. The White House App (Built in USA)
9. Instagram (Built in USA)
10. All That (Built in USA)
On iOS, the list is almost the same, with some notable differences. It includes a game from Ta Ta Game Technology Limited, an app development company that doesn’t say where it comes from at all, as well as a game from a Turkish developer.
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