FBI warns foreign apps could collect Americans’ data — even from people who never downloaded them
Americans' personal data could be collected and stored overseas — even if they've never downloaded a foreign-developed app themselves — according to a new FBI alert warning about the risks...
By Fox News · Fox News
Americans' personal data could be collected and stored overseas — even if they've never downloaded a foreign-developed app themselves — according to a new FBI alert warning about the risks tied to popular mobile platforms. That means information like your name, email address or phone number could be pulled from someone else’s contact list and potentially stored abroad if a friend or family member grants an app access to their device. The warning comes after years of scrutiny over TikTok’s ties to China, but the FBI alert suggests the concerns extend beyond any single platform to a broader range of foreign-developed apps. In a public service announcement, the FBI said many widely used apps developed overseas, particularly those tied to China, may access extensive data once permissions are granted, including address books containing information on both users and non-users. 5 SIMPLE TECH TIPS TO IMPROVE DIGITAL PRIVACY The bureau also warned that some apps may continue collecting data in the background after access is granted and, in certain cases, store that information on servers in countries where local laws could allow government access. "Developer companies can store collected data on users’ private information and address books, such as names, e-mail addresses, user IDs, physical addresses, and phone numbers of their stored contacts," the FBI said. "The app can persistently collect data and users’ private information throughout the device, not just within the app or while the app is active." CHINESE HACKERS REPORTEDLY BREACHED PHONES AT 'HEART OF DOWNING STREET' IN GLOBAL SPY CAMPAIGN The FBI did not name specific companies, but the warning could apply to a range of widely used apps developed by Chinese firms — including video-editing platform CapCut, shopping apps like Temu and SHEIN, and social media platforms such as Lemon8 — several of which rank among the most downloaded apps in the United States. U.S. officials have long warned that data collected by Chine…