FBI Warns Against Using Chinese Mobile Apps Over Privacy Risks

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FBI Warns Against Using Foreign-Developed Mobile Apps

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning to Americans regarding the use of certain foreign-developed mobile applications, particularly those created by Chinese developers.

Potential Privacy and Data Security Risks

The agency highlights potential privacy and data security risks associated with these apps, citing China’s extensive national security laws that enable the Chinese government to potentially access user data.

Risks Associated with Chinese-Developed Mobile Apps

Continuous Data Collection: Many Chinese-developed mobile apps continuously collect user data and private information, even when users grant permission only while the app is active.
Data Storage: Some apps store collected data, including personal information and system prompts, on servers located in China for as long as the developers deem necessary.
Data Sharing: Some apps require users to consent to data sharing in order to operate the platform.
Address Book Data: Some apps collect extensive information from address books, including contact names, phone numbers, email addresses, user IDs, and physical addresses.

Mitigating Risks

To mitigate these risks, the FBI advises users to:

Turn off Unnecessary Data Sharing: Users should review their app permissions and turn off any unnecessary data sharing.
Regularly Update Device Software: Users should keep their device software up-to-date to ensure they have the latest security patches.
Use a Password Manager App: Users can consider using a password manager app to generate strong passwords for all accounts.
Report Suspicious Activity: Users should report any instances of compromised data or suspicious activity to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

The FBI’s warning comes after China transferred operational control of TikTok’s U.S. business to a majority American-owned joint venture in response to national security concerns.

Related Threats

In related news, the FBI has also warned of phishing attacks impersonating U.S. city and county officials, and reported a surge in ATM malware attacks in 2025, resulting in over $20 million stolen. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has ordered federal agencies to patch a critically exploited Citrix vulnerability and a recently discovered DarkSword iOS flaw exploited in attacks.

Ongoing Challenges

The FBI has investigated a breach of surveillance and wiretap systems, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in maintaining the integrity of sensitive technologies. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, the FBI remains committed to providing guidance and support to individuals and organizations seeking to protect themselves against cyber threats.