FBI Warns About Risks of Foreign-Developed Apps

The FBI has issued a new alert cautioning Americans about the potential collection and storage of personal data overseas, even if they have not downloaded foreign-developed apps. The FBI warns that information such as names, emails, and phone numbers might be extracted from others’ contact lists if these apps gain device access.

Concerns have persisted for years over apps like TikTok’s connections to China, but this recent FBI announcement indicates that the risk is broader, encompassing many apps developed overseas. According to the FBI, many popular foreign apps, especially those tied to China, have the capability to access extensive data when users grant permissions. This includes access to address books, potentially collecting data on both users and their contacts.

“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,” says the FBI.

The FBI emphasizes that some apps may collect data continuously in the background after obtaining access and could store it on servers in countries where governmental access is permitted by local laws.

While the FBI did not specify companies, the warning could apply to various apps developed by Chinese firms. Examples include the video-editing app CapCut, shopping apps like Temu and SHEIN, and social media platforms such as Lemon8. These apps are among some of the most downloaded in the United States.

U.S. officials have frequently cautioned that data collected by platforms linked to China could help in intelligence gathering under the nation’s security laws. This includes the possibility of building detailed profiles of Americans and mapping their networks.

Additionally, the FBI outlines signs that an app might be collecting more data than expected. Indicators include unusual battery drain, spikes in data usage, or unauthorized account activity, which could hint at background data collection or suspicious actions.

The FBI advises limiting unnecessary data sharing, downloading apps solely from official stores, and regularly reviewing permissions granted to apps. They also warn against apps from third-party sites as they may contain malware designed for unauthorized data access.

The alert follows concerns over TikTok, culminating in a 2026 agreement mandating its Chinese parent company relinquish control of its U.S. operations to an American-led group to mitigate national security fears.

The Chinese embassy did not provide any immediate comment regarding the FBI’s recent warning.