Archive · 21 Aug 2025
Investigation: Free Android VPNs Controlled by Single Chinese Company
Imagine you want to hide your online activity, so you use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) app.
Many popular free VPN apps on Android, which seem different, are actually created by one Chinese company called Qihoo 360.
These apps have problems like using easy-to-guess passwords and tracking where you go online.
This means your private information could be seen or shared.
Because this company has ties to the Chinese government, people are worried about who might get access to your data.
So, instead of protecting your privacy, these VPNs might be putting it at risk.
Investigation reveals many popular free Android VPNs are controlled by a single Chinese company, Qihoo 360.
Over 700 million downloads of VPN apps share the same infrastructure despite appearing under different brand names.
These VPNs have technical flaws including hardcoded passwords and location tracking, compromising user privacy.
Qihoo 360 has links to the Chinese government, raising concerns about data access.
The apps aim to create the illusion of choice while collecting user data.
- Who
- Qihoo 360 controls multiple free Android VPN apps, and security researchers did the investigation.
- What
- Investigation found that many free Android VPN apps are controlled by one Chinese company.
- When
- The investigation is recent, but the article doesn't provide specific dates.
- Where
- The Android platform
- Why
- To attract more users and collect data while giving the impression of providing privacy.
User Privacy Concerns
Data Collection by Company
Privacy Protection
User Privacy Concerns
Users expect privacy from VPNs. These apps fail to provide this, risking exposure of online activity and location.
Data Collection by Company
N/A
- Company
- Qihoo 360
- App Downloads Affected
- Over 700 million
- Primary Risk
- Compromised privacy and security
- Connection Type
- VPN (Virtual Private Network)
- Known Vulnerabilities
- Hardcoded passwords, location tracking