Free VPN Apps Linked to Chinese Cybersecurity Company

A new investigation has uncovered that several free VPN applications, with millions of downloads, have ties to a Chinese cybersecurity firm that has been sanctioned by the U.S. government.

These apps are readily available on popular App Stores including Apple App Store and Google Play, despite concerns about data privacy and national security.

Sanctioned Company Behind Popular VPN Apps

A report by The Tech Transparency Project (TTP) reported that five VPN apps—Turbo VPN, VPN Proxy Master, Thunder VPN, Snap VPN, and Signal Secure VPN—are connected to Qihoo 360. The Chinese cybersecurity company was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2020 due to its alleged links to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Further investigation revealed that one in five of the top 100 free VPNs in Apple’s App Store are owned by Chinese firms. Given China’s strict national security laws, companies must provide data to government officials upon request. This raises concerns that millions of users may unknowingly expose their internet activity to foreign entities.

TROYPOINT has always preached disapproval of Free VPNs as we have seen many in the past have issues protecting their users data.

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Ownership Questions and Hidden Connections

Qihoo 360, officially known as 360 Security Technology, was placed on the U.S. Commerce Department’s Entity List in 2020, limiting its access to American technology. Reports from 2015 indicate the company collaborated with the PLA and various government ministries in China.

After the sanctions, Qihoo claimed it sold its VPN operations in 2020. However, records show that a Singapore-based company, Innovative Connecting, runs the VPNs. This firm is owned by Lemon Seed Technology, a company registered in the Cayman Islands.

Qihoo paid nearly $70 million for Lemon Seed and other assets in 2020. That same year, the company stated it sold its VPN division, known as “Project L,” for roughly the same amount. However, the buyer was never disclosed.

Despite the alleged sale, evidence suggests that Qihoo’s influence over these VPN apps remained. A subsidiary of Qihoo in Guangzhou continued employing developers responsible for these apps. This subsidiary later changed its name to Guangzhou Lianchuang Technology in 2021 and was sold in 2023 for the equivalent of 14 cents to a newly formed Beijing firm.

The new owner of this firm, Chen Ningyi, was previously an executive at Qihoo, further raising suspicions about the company’s continued involvement.

When reporters visited the office of Guangzhou Lianchuang, developers admitted they still worked on the VPN apps and maintained connections to Qihoo 360. One programmer stated, “You could say that we’re part of them, and you could say we’re not.”

Apple and Google’s Response

At the time of the investigation, all five VPNs tied to Qihoo 360 were available on Apple and Google’s app stores. However, after inquiries from reporters, Apple removed Thunder VPN and Snap VPN.

Apple and Google both have policies prohibiting VPN apps from sharing user data without consent. Apple’s App Store rules require VPNs to avoid disclosing data to third parties, but enforcing these rules can be challenging.

Apple previously removed VPN apps from its Chinese App Store in 2017 due to local cybersecurity laws. However, these Qihoo-linked apps remain accessible worldwide. The company stated it follows all relevant laws and removes apps violating its policies but does not ban apps based on their country of origin.

Meanwhile, Google recently introduced a “verified” badge for VPN apps meeting stricter security standards. Turbo VPN, one of the apps connected to Qihoo, received this verification despite concerns about its ownership. Google stated it remains committed to enforcing compliance with trade laws and will take action against violators.

Final Thoughts & Notes

As noted throughout our website, we always preach the importance of using a certified VPN Service from a trusted paid source such as Surfshark.

Free VPN Platforms have to make money somewhere and in all likelihood, they do so by selling data of those who register for the service. Make sure to fully protect yourself with a high level Virtual Private Network!

This article was originally published by TechNadu.

Let us know what you think of these free VPN Apps and their ties to Chinese cybersecurity company in the comments below.

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