Study Finds Most US VPN Apps Track Users, Offers Tips for Safer Choices

According to a study released by Proton, an overwhelming 85% of mobile VPN apps available in the United States include tracking components, and roughly 25% go further by recording users' physical locations. The research examined over 7,000 applications worldwide, highlighting that many services fail to uphold the privacy promises they market. Several of the problematic VPNs are registered to firms operating out of China, intensifying worries about data exposure.

Proton recommends that users look for VPNs that explicitly state a no-logs policy, are subject to third-party audits, and are headquartered in privacy-friendly jurisdictions. Additional safeguards include checking for transparent privacy policies and avoiding free services that rely on data collection for revenue. By following these guidelines, consumers can better protect their browsing activity from ISPs, advertisers, and potential hackers.