Overview
- The FBI issued a public alert Monday to iPhone and Android users about some overseas-developed apps that can collect and send personal data abroad without naming specific titles.
- Once users grant permissions, the bureau says these apps can pull data across the device and keep gathering it even when the app is not open.
- The advisory warns that contact-list access can sweep up names, emails, and phone numbers of people who never installed the app.
- The FBI notes that some apps store data on servers in China and says national security laws there could let authorities request that data.
- The agency urges people to use official app stores, avoid third-party downloads, limit app permissions, review them often, and keep phones and apps updated.