Android and iPhone users warned by FBI that certain apps are a security risk

Source Domain: www.phonearena.com

At the end of March, the FBI released a Public Service Announcement (PSA) warning consumers about the risks to their personal data created by foreign-developed mobile apps. While the PSA points out that these apps are frequently used in the U.S., the concerns about their safety are global. The FBI importantly notes that as of early 2026, many of the top apps by installs and revenue are developed and maintained by firms headquartered outside the U.S. China is the country mentioned in the FBI alert.

FBI warns Americans about installing apps developed in China

The PSA warns Americans that apps that keep their digital infrastructure in China must follow that country’s national security laws. This means that the Chinese government can rummage through the personal data belonging to the users of these mobile apps. Also of concern is the kind of data that these apps request access to when installed. All it takes is your permission for an app to continually access your personal information.

From 2020 to 2024, the amount of money stolen by cyber-thieves soared from $4.2 billion to $16.6 billion. | Image by FBI

Some apps allow your data to be siphoned away from your device even when the app in question is not active. Some platforms allow contacts and friends to use the app. Even with default permissions, developers can store collected data such as names, e-mail addresses, user IDs, physical addresses, and phone numbers of the user’s contacts. Some of these apps even say that collected data is stored on servers in China for as long as the developers believe necessary.

The G-men want you to perform “good cyber-hygiene”

The FBI notes that some apps will run locally on the user’s device, reducing the chance that the app user’s personal data is being sent to China. On the other hand, some apps won’t allow the user to run the…

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