Senator Schmitt, Colleagues Call on Apple, Google to Remove Chinese-Owned VPNs from App Stores

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) sent a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cooke and Google CEO Sundar Pichai expressing concerns over reports that free Chinese-owned VPNs applications are available on the App Store and Google Play Store. These nefarious applications have ties to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and enable the Chinese government to access the private information of millions of Americans, including minors.

The letter stated: “We write to express our concern over reports that Apple and Google continue to permit free downloadable VPN applications on the App Store and Google Play Store that are owned and operated by Chinese military companies. Alarmingly, some of the apps are linked to a company called Qihoo 360, which was added to the Department of Commerce’s Entity’s List in 2020 for its ties to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).  Despite these glaring red flags and the publication of reports highlighting the issue more than over a month ago, Apple and Google continue to undermine national security by allowing apps that give Chinese government access to private information of millions of Americans.” 

The letter continued: “Beyond the national security implications, the continued presence of these apps raises serious questions about Apple and Google’s carefully cultivated reputations for protecting users’ privacy. Your company has repeatedly claimed it maintains strict control over its app store, to protect users’ privacy and security.  Yet lapses like the ones identified in this letter demonstrate that your company is failing users and the broader public. We are aware that Apple has previously removed apps to censor the App Store at the behest of the Chinese government.”

The letter concluded: “We trust you will agree that leaving our country vulnerable to cyber infiltration is not in our collective interest. The People’s Republic of China continues to undermine U.S. cybersecurity by supporting entities that have, or are actively attempting to, damage the integrity of our critical infrastructure. Attempts to access the personal data of Americans—especially minors—are particularly troubling. We hope to work together to root out this growing threat.”

The letter requested written responses to the following:

1. The rationale for maintaining these VPN apps on their platforms.
2. The number of U.S.-based downloads for these apps from their platforms.
3. Their verification processes for these entities distributing VPN services.
4. The revenue their companies have earned from in-app purchases linked to these Chinese companies, including Qihoo 360.
5. Whether either Apple or Google have notified any federal government entities or law enforcement agencies about these platforms.

Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) joined Schmitt and Warren in sending this letter.

Download the letter HERE.

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