TikTok has long been a source of concern over concerns that it sends user data to China, but experts are warning that a much more dangerous threat could now be lurking on your phone – and it’s linked to free VPN apps.

According to vpnMentor, VPN usage in the UK has jumped 6,000% since new restrictions on access to pornographic content were introduced – a similar explosion in searches has been seen in the US and France. Many of these apps are free and top the charts on the App Store and Google Play, but are often owned by companies with opaque structures and serious privacy gaps.

An investigation by the Tech Transparency Project warns that millions of users have downloaded VPN apps that secretly route internet traffic through servers owned by Chinese companies. According to experts, including Simon Migliano of Top10VPN, they pose too much of a risk and should be removed from devices.

“If you’re not paying for the product, you are the product,” BeyondTrust’s James Maude told Forbes. With free VPNs, that means instead of getting privacy, you could be unknowingly handing over your data to a foreign country.

Expert tip: Open the App Store or Google Play and search for “free VPN.” Delete any free VPN apps you’ve installed, unless they’re from established companies with a proven track record in cybersecurity.

List of Chinese VPN apps mentioned by TTP that you should check if you have installed:

Apple App Store

X-VPN - Super VPN & Best Proxy
Ostrich VPN - Proxy Master
VPN Proxy Master - Super VPN
Turbo VPN Private Browser
VPNIFY - Unlimited VPN
VPN Proxy OvpnSpider
WireVPN - Fast VPN & Proxy
Now VPN - Best VPN Proxy
Speedy Quark VPN - VPN Proxy
Best VPN Proxy AppVPN
HulaVPN - Best Fast Secure VPN
Wirevpn - Secure & Fast VPN
Pearl VPN

Google Play Store

Turbo VPN - Secure VPN Proxy
VPN Proxy Master - Safer VPN
X-VPN - Private Browser VPN
Speedy Quark VPN - VPN Master
Ostrich VPN - Proxy Unlimited
Snap VPN: Super Fast VPN Proxy
Signal Secure VPN - Robot VPN
VPN Proxy OvpnSpider
HulaVPN - Fast Secure VPN
VPN Proxy AppVPN