A study by Proton analyzing over 7,000 mobile VPN apps reveals that 85% of VPNs downloaded in the US contain trackers, while 25% track user locations. The research, using App Tweak and Exodus Privacy data, found that 64 apps were owned by China-based entities, with 31 hiding this affiliation through shell companies. These apps collect device IDs, network types, and GPS data, directly violating user trust.

Popular offenders include VPN Proxy Master, VPN-Fast, VPN Super, and X-VPN. Despite Apple's claims of policing the App Store for user safety, the company profits from these privacy-invasive tools. Proton VPN is highlighted as a trustworthy alternative, operating 20,332 servers in 148 countries on open-source software.

Based in Switzerland, outside US and EU jurisdiction, it maintains a strict zero-logs policy with end-to-end encryption. Proton VPN offers plans starting at $2.99 per month for a 24-month package.