- What: FBI warns about data risks from foreign mobile apps
- Impact: US mobile users may be affected by data security risks from apps developed in China
On March 31st, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a critical public service announcement warning mobile device users about the severe data security risks posed by applications developed or hosted outside of the U.S., particularly in China. The FBI’s core concern is that apps maintaining digital infrastructure in China, for example, are subject to that nation's extensive national security laws, which could enable the Chinese government to potentially access mobile app users' data.