FBI warns against using Chinese mobile apps due to privacy risks

In Consumer Alerts
April 03, 2026

Before you download an app, do you actually check to see who developed it and what the privacy terms are? If not, get into the habit of checking before downloading or installing. And think about reviewing your existing apps for privacy and data security terms. Bleeping Computer reports:

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warned Americans against using foreign-developed mobile applications, particularly those created by Chinese developers.

In a public service announcement (PSA) issued via its Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) platform this Tuesday, the FBI warned of privacy and data security risks associated with these apps.

“As of early 2026, many of the most downloaded and top-grossing apps in the United States are developed and maintained by foreign companies, particularly those based in China,” the bureau warned.

Read more at BleepingComputer.