A recent warning from the FBI indicates that Americans’ personal data could be gathered and stored overseas, even if they haven’t personally downloaded foreign apps. This concern arises particularly with popular applications, suggesting that even if a user’s friend has the app, their information—like names, emails, and phone numbers—could be accessed from contact lists without direct permission.
This warning stems, in part, from ongoing scrutiny regarding TikTok’s connections to China. However, the FBI’s announcement implies that the issues may span various foreign-developed applications beyond just that platform.
The FBI’s public service announcement highlights that numerous apps from overseas, especially those linked to China, can request and gather significant personal data once users give permission. This includes address books filled with details about both users and non-users.
Moreover, some apps might continue to gather data even when they’re not actively being used, storing that information on servers in countries where the laws might permit government access.
“Developers can retain data about users’ personal details and contact lists, such as names and email addresses,” the FBI noted. They also added that these applications could continually accumulate user data across different devices—rather than just when the app is open.
While the FBI didn’t specify names, this warning is likely relevant to widely-used applications developed by Chinese companies, such as the video editing app CapCut, shopping platforms like Temu and SHEIN, as well as social media apps such as Lemon8, which frequently rank highly in downloads in the U.S.
Authorities in the U.S. have consistently cautioned that data gathered from platforms associated with China, particularly under its national security laws, can be utilized to create detailed profiles of Americans and monitor their social and professional connections.
Furthermore, the FBI expressed that applications based in China fall under the nation’s security laws, potentially enabling government access to user data.
Users can look out for signs their apps may be collecting excessive data, such as unexpected battery drain, significant increases in data use, or unusual activity on their accounts after installation. These could indicate unauthorized data collection or other dubious activities.
The agency advises users to curtail unnecessary data sharing, only download apps from credible sources, and routinely review the permissions they have granted. They also cautioned against apps from unofficial sites, as they may harbor malware intended to access personal data without consent.
A longstanding investigation into TikTok prompted a 2026 agreement, requiring the company’s Chinese parent to hand over control of its U.S. operations to an American-led entity to mitigate data access and security anxiety.
The latest warning from the FBI suggests these risks could, unfortunately, extend well beyond a single app, affecting a vast array of foreign-developed applications used by millions in America.
Attempts to reach the Chinese embassy for comment were unsuccessful.
