- The FBI warns that Chinese apps may expose sensitive user data
- Apps may collect contact and personal information beyond usage
- Users are advised to limit permissions and update devices regularly
The FBI is warning American citizens that using mobile apps developed by Chinese companies could put their sensitive data at risk, as well as the data of their friends, family, and others in their contact list.
In a new PSA, the FBI said apps that maintain China’s digital infrastructure are subject to the country’s security laws that allow the government to access mobile app user data.
“Users should be aware of what user data these apps are requesting access to when they download them,” reads the PSA. “When access is allowed by the user, the app can continue to collect data and private information of users across the device, not just within the app or while the app is running.”
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The FBI singled out three specifics: 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 malware that steals information.
Those offering invitations, if entered with automatic consents, may collect data from the user’s address books, including personal names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers.
“This permission gives apps access to large amounts of personal information about users and non-users in their contact list,” the FBI warned.
While the FBI did not specifically advise against using Chinese-made apps, it said users should disable “unnecessary” data sharing, only download verified apps from official app stores, and change their passwords regularly. In addition, they are advised to update their devices regularly, and read the terms of service and end user license agreements before downloading applications.
According to appfigures.com, the top US Android apps right now are:
1. ChatGPT (US-built)
2. TikTok Lite (headquartered in Singapore and Los Angeles, but the Chinese app is common)
3. WhatsApp (made in US)
4. Temu (Chinese-built)
5. TikTok (like TikTok Lite)
6. PDF and Android launcher (Hong Kong)
7. Monopoly Go!Chat (made in US)
8. The White House app (made in the US)
9. Instagram (made in the US)
10. Whatnot (US-built)
On iOS, the list is almost identical, with a few notable differences. It features a game by Ta Ta Game Technology Limited, an app developer company that doesn’t say where it comes from, at all, and a game by a Turkish developer.
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