Bipartisan Senators Urge Apple, Google to Remove China-Owned VPN Apps

Contact Your Elected Officials

The senators said the VPN apps ‘give the Chinese government access to private information of millions of Americans.’

A bipartisan group of senators has called on Apple and Google to remove China-owned virtual private networks, or VPNs, from their app stores, warning that these apps pose a threat to U.S. national security due to their ties to China’s military.

Sens. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), both serving on the Armed Services Committee, sent a letter dated July 24 to Apple CEO Tim Cook and Google CEO Sundar Pichai. The lawmakers expressed concern that some Chinese VPN apps are linked to Qihoo 360, a Chinese cybersecurity company that was added to the Commerce Department’s economic blacklist for supporting the procurement of items for use by the Chinese military.

“Despite these glaring red flags and the publication of reports highlighting the issue more than three months ago, Apple and Google continue to undermine national security by allowing apps that give the Chinese government access to private information of millions of Americans,” the lawmakers wrote, referencing a report published by research group Tech Transparency Project in April.

The research group published an updated report in June, stating that some of the Qihoo 360-linked apps had been removed since its initial report. However, the Apple and Google app stores continued to offer two apps linked to Qihoo 360—Turbo VPN and VPN Proxy Master—while the Google Play Store offered two additional Qihoo 360-connected apps—Snap VPN and Signal Secure VPN—according to the report.

In total, the research group identified 13 China-owned VPN apps in its June report.

Chinese laws, such as the National Intelligence Law of 2017 and the 2021 Data Security Law, authorize the Chinese regime to harvest data from China-based commercial entities, posing privacy risks for American users of apps operated by these companies.

The lawmakers also questioned why Apple and Google had been “profiting from these Chinese-owned apps,” pointing out that the apps included in-app purchases and subscriptions.

“As the United States works to respond to ongoing cyber intrusions by the PLA, including the Salt Typhoon hacks, it is unacceptable that your companies have allowed platforms with known links to the PLA to continue operating unimpeded across our cyberspace,” the lawmakers wrote, referring to the acronym of China’s military, the People’s Liberation Army.

By Frank Fang

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Obama Floats ‘New Forms of [State-Controlled] Journalism’

Notorious nemesis of civil liberties one and all, Barack Obama, ]apparently endorses a heavy state hand in the “regulation” of information.

Privilege Is Financial, Not Racial

If we stay divided by race, we’ll keep fighting each other while the true elites of all races thrive unseen, counting their wealth in comfort.

California Repeats Illinois’ History, PROSECUTE Newsom!

California may have improperly licensed 62,000 illegal aliens as Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) truck drivers.

The Stage Is Set For A US-Instigated Security Dilemma Between The Eurasian Rimland & Heartland

The US sends mixed signals on the Sino-Russo alliance after Trump downplayed concerns while Hegseth said he was ordered to “re-establish deterrence.”

Chambers of Horror

Using a shutdown to legislate is like using a flame thrower to light a candle, it provides light momentarily but destroys everything in its path.

DHS: 8,000 Percent Jump in Death Threats Against ICE Officers

DHS reports an 8,000% surge in death threats against U.S. immigration officers, raising alarm over safety concerns for federal personnel.

Federal Judge Weighs Forcing USDA to Pay SNAP Benefits Despite Shutdown

A judge weighed forcing the USDA to use a $5 billion fund to prevent a lapse in the national food stamp program amid looming funding shortfalls.

About 80 Missing Children Rescued, 1,700 People Arrested in Memphis: Bondi

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said federal operations in Memphis this month recovered 80 missing children and arrested 1,700 people, including 126 gang members.

San Jose Proclaims ‘Republic of China Day,’ Honors Taiwanese Community’s Contributions

San Jose declared Oct. 25 “Republic of China Day,” honoring the Taiwanese American community’s cultural and economic contributions to the city.

US, South Korea Finalize Trade Deal Reducing Tariffs, Boosting American Investment

The U.S. and South Korea finalized a major trade deal on Oct. 29 as President Trump wrapped up the final hours of his Asian tour on the Korean Peninsula.

Trump, Japanese PM Sign Critical Minerals, Rare Earths Deal

The U.S. president visited Tokyo on the second leg...

Trump Hikes Canada’s Tariffs by 10 Percent for Not Pulling Anti-Tariff Ad Immediately

Trump announced he will increase tariffs on Canada by 10% after ad by provincial government of Ontario misrepresented President Reagan’s speech on tariffs.

Trump Rolls Back Emissions Rules on Copper Smelters

President Trump issued a proclamation aimed at reversing a Biden-era environmental rule that enforced stricter air emission standards on copper smelters.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central