FBI Warns iPhone And Android Users—Do Not Install These Apps

Source Domain: uk.news.yahoo.com

It should be obvious — but unfortunately it’s not. Some of the most popular apps you have likely downloaded on your iPhone or Android smartphone are dangerous. And now the FBI is warning U.S. citizens to stop all such installs.

The bureau’s new Public Service Announcement highlights the “data security risks associated with foreign-developed mobile applications (apps) frequently used in the United States; however, these concerns are global. As of early 2026, many of the most downloaded and top-grossing apps in the United States are developed and maintained by foreign companies, particularly those based in China.”

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This warning links back to China’s infamous national security laws, which the FBI reminds smartphone users enables “the Chinese government to potentially access mobile app users’ data.” In short, the laws mandate developers based in China do all they can to support the country’s national security imperatives — including sharing data. It’s the same mandate that plagued TikTok ahead of its U.S. split.

The FBI says users should be aware “of what user data these apps request access to upon download.” But in reality, these privacy polices are very rarely checked. That’s why so-called permission abuse is such a nightmare for smartphone users. “When access is permitted by the user, the app can persistently collect data and users’ private information throughout the device.”

The data at risk includes contact lists, which could enable those collecting the data in China or elsewhere to build social graphs. In the wrong hands, these are invaluable to nation-state or mercenary hackers, using a hack on one person to socially engineer hacks on one or more higher value targets that they know.

“Some platforms offer the option to invite friends or contacts to use the apps. With default permissions, developer companies can store collected data on users’…

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