The FBI is warning that Americans’ personal information could be gathered and stored in foreign countries—even by people who have never installed a foreign-developed app themselves—due to how widely used mobile platforms access contact data.
According to the alert, details such as names, phone numbers, and email addresses can be extracted from someone else’s contact list if a friend or relative grants an app permission to access their device, potentially exposing the information of non-users.
While scrutiny in recent years has largely focused on TikTok and its connections to China, the FBI’s latest warning indicates the issue is far broader and applies to a wide range of apps developed outside the United States.
In a public service announcement, the agency said that many commonly used foreign-built apps—especially those linked to China—can gain access to extensive data once users approve permissions, including full address books containing information about both users and individuals who have never used the app.
The bureau cautioned that some apps may continue harvesting data even when not actively in use, and in certain cases, that information could be stored on servers located in countries where authorities may have legal access to it.
“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,” the FBI said. “The app can persistently collect data and users’ private information throughout the device, not just within the app or while the app is active.”
Although the FBI did not identify specific companies, the warning is believed to apply to a number of popular apps developed by Chinese firms, including video-editing tools, shopping platforms, and social media networks that rank among the most downloaded in the U.S.
Officials have long expressed concern that data collected by Chinese-linked apps could be used to build detailed profiles of Americans, track relationships and networks, and potentially assist intelligence-gathering operations—especially if accessed under China’s national security laws.
The FBI noted that apps operating within China are subject to those laws, which could compel companies to provide user data to the government if requested.
The agency also highlighted warning signs that may indicate excessive data collection, such as abnormal battery drain, sudden spikes in data usage, or suspicious account activity following installation.
Users were advised to minimize the amount of information they share, install apps only from official app stores, and routinely review app permissions. The FBI also cautioned that downloading apps from unofficial sources can expose devices to malware designed to access personal data without authorization.
Years of scrutiny over TikTok ultimately led to a 2026 agreement requiring its Chinese parent company to transfer control of its U.S. operations to an American-led ownership group in response to national security concerns.
The FBI’s latest advisory underscores that the risks tied to foreign-developed apps are not limited to a single platform but extend to a much broader digital ecosystem used by millions of Americans.