FBI Warns of Data Security Risks from Chinese Mobile Apps

• •FBI warns against using foreign-developed mobile apps, especially from China.
• •Apps may collect user data continuously, raising privacy concerns.
• •Users are advised to download apps only from official sources and limit data sharing.

On April 1, 2026, the FBI issued a public service announcement warning Americans about the data security risks associated with foreign-developed mobile applications, particularly those from Chinese developers. The advisory highlights that these apps may continuously collect sensitive user data, even when not actively in use, and that user data could be stored on servers in China, subject to national security laws. This raises concerns about unauthorized access by the Chinese government. The FBI urges users to be cautious about granting permissions and recommends downloading apps only from official sources. Users are also advised to turn off unnecessary data sharing and regularly update their device software. The warning comes in the context of heightened scrutiny of popular apps and follows the transfer of TikTok's U.S. operations to a majority American-owned joint venture to mitigate security concerns. The risks are not limited to data collection but also include potential malware embedded in these apps.