Free VPNs leak your data while claiming privacy

Research analyzing 18 popular free Android VPN apps found that most include multiple embedded trackers, request excessive “dangerous” permissions (camera, microphone, contacts, location, call logs, storage), connect to large numbers of hardcoded domains including servers in jurisdictions with state surveillance or sanctions, and sometimes use plaintext HTTP; the report concludes that many free VPNs function primarily as data-collection and advertising platforms rather than privacy-protecting tools and recommends using audited or open-source VPNs.