The FBI has issued a new alert highlighting the potential risks of Americans’ personal data being collected and stored overseas, even if they haven’t personally downloaded a foreign-developed app. This raises concerns about privacy, especially with popular mobile platforms.
The advisory explains that personal details such as names, email addresses, and phone numbers could be extracted from someone else’s contact list. This can happen if a friend or family member allows an app to access their device, potentially leading to that information being stored in other countries.
This warning follows ongoing discussions about TikTok’s connections to China. However, the FBI’s notice indicates that the issue is not limited to just one app but is a broader concern involving numerous foreign-developed applications.
In its public service announcement, the FBI pointed out that many popular apps crafted overseas, especially those linked to China, can access comprehensive data once given permissions. This includes access to address books with information about both app users and those who aren’t.
The bureau cautioned that certain apps might continue to gather data in the background after permissions are granted. In some instances, this data could be stored on servers located in countries where local regulations might permit government access to the information.
“Developers can store data on users’ private information and address books, including names, email addresses, user IDs, physical addresses, and phone numbers of their contacts,” the FBI stated. “An app can continuously collect private data from the device, not just when it’s active or within the app itself.”
The FBI did not name specific companies, but the warning could apply to a range of widely used apps developed by Chinese firms â including video-editing platform CapCut, shopping apps like Temu and SHEIN, and social media platforms such as Lemon8 â several of which rank among the most downloaded apps in the United States.
U.S. officials have long warned that data collected by Chinese-linked platforms could be used to build detailed profiles of Americans, map personal and professional networks, and potentially support intelligence-gathering efforts, particularly if accessed under Chinaâs national security laws.
The FBI added that apps operating in China are subject to the countryâs national security laws, which could allow the government to access user data.
The FBI also pointed to possible warning signs that an app may be collecting more data than expected, including unusual battery drain, spikes in data usage, or unauthorized account activity after installation â indicators that could suggest background data collection or other suspicious behavior.
The bureau urged users to limit unnecessary data sharing, download apps only from official app stores, and regularly review permissions granted to mobile platforms. The bureau also warned that apps obtained from third-party sites may carry malware designed to gain unauthorized access to personal data.
Years of scrutiny over TikTok culminated in a 2026 deal that forced its Chinese parent company to relinquish control of U.S. operations to an American-led group in order to address fears over data access and national security.
The FBIâs latest warning suggests those risks may extend beyond a single platform to a broader range of foreign-developed apps used by millions of Americans.
The Chinese embassy could not immediately be reached for comment.
