Chinese VPNs are still widespread in the App Store
через несколько недель после того, как исследователи подняли красные флаги, в магазине приложений в США все еще есть VPN, которые скрывают их китайское владение и могут направлять данные пользователей прямо в руки Пекина. более чем через шесть недель после того, как исследователи подняли тревогу, Apple и Google still allow VPN applications with ties with Chinese companies to stay in their US-Most of these applications.Some are associated with the Chinese cybersecurity company in accordance with US sanctions. And both technical giants still get benefits. This is a large conclusion from the new Spot Check using the Tech Transparency (TTP) project, which followed his previous report from April. Despite some deletions, dozens of dubious VPNs are still quietly collecting user data and subscription income. still promising confidentiality.
at first glance these applications look harmless. They are sold as free tools that will help you remain anonymous on the Internet. dig a little deeper, and the picture shifts. TTP found that many of these applications are actually belonging to Chinese firms. One of them is Qihoo 360, a cybersecurity company authorized by the US government for its connection with the People’s Liberation Army. , applications such as Turbo VPN and VPN Proxy Master are still available in Apple App Store. Both have links to QIHOO 360. It is also several others in the Google Play store. , in total, TTP identified 13 related to Chinese VPN, still active on the Apple and 11 in Google. an example of one of the Chinese vpns none of these applications reveals that they belong to Chinese companies. Some direct their corporate structures through Singapore or use such names of developers as “free connection” or “innovative connection” to avoid checking. These names are often monitored in the same networks. And in China, the companies have no luxury to say no when the government requests user data. This is a real problem here & mdash; VPN see everything you do on the Internet. If you use one with unsolved connections with a foreign government, especially with wide laws on supervision, this is a risk of security. These applications are popular and earn money. Apple and Google both accept their standard reduction. , such as X-VPN, earned more than $ 10 million only from US users. According to estimates, Turbo VPN and VPN Proxy Master brought more than $ 5 million. Apple collects up to 30% of the income in the application. Google takes a similar share, especially from subscriptions and advertising. This means that both companies financially receive financial benefits from applications that can expose users to foreign observation. If this sounds like a contradiction with Apple's Privacy Marketing or Google's obligations on user safety, this is because it is. Apple claims that VPN applications in their store are not allowed to sell or exchange user data. But law enforcement is a black box. Google requires transparency in relation to data practice, but, according to the visible, has no policy specific to VPN. 
9 facebook X.com reddit Bluesky Apple and Google are received The benefits from them
Do not think that the application for applications, you do this, you do it because you want because you are, because you do it because you do it because you do it because you do it because you do it because you do it because you do it. But now there is a high probability that the App Store offers you something, which does the opposite.
VPNS is not technically prohibited in China, but they are strictly controlled. The government allows only approved suppliers who agree to censorship rules, and most foreign VPNs are blocked.
If you try to use one to get around the great firewall, you violate the law. China broke up on VPN developers and pressure, such as Apple, to pull out hundreds of applications in a local application store.
All this is part of a wider push to maintain close adhesion to what people see and do online. And when Chinese companies list their VPN in other applications markets, such as the United States, this means that US citizens are also not safe.
an example of one of the vpns
Some applications are trying to distance themselves from their Chinese connections. Autumn breeze PTE. Ltd., for example, says that he works regardless of Qihoo 360. TTP found links to the former Qihoo leader, which is still indicated as the director.
and after the data leaves your device, it is difficult to understand where it goes & MDash; Or who can access him.
people deserve to know who is behind the software that they use to protect their most confidential information. This is especially true when these tools are sold as safe, private and anonymous.
right now, no app stores do enough. If Apple and Google are seriously confidential, they need to apply the same standards for their own windows, which they use for small developers.
answer Apple
After our publication of this story, Apple repeated the previous guidance that they gave.
They told us that the App Store allows developers from any country to distribute applications if they follow the leading principles of application reviews and local laws. It does not limit applications based on the nationality of the developer or where the company is based.
the company said that VPN applications are subject to more stringent rules. Only registered organizations can publish them, and the developers should clearly disclose what data is collected and how they will be used before users interact with the application.
These applications do not allow using or exchange data for any purpose and must indicate that their confidentiality policy is. Apple said she ensures compliance with these politicians and delete applications that do not correspond.
