Free VPNs Are Putting Millions at Risk — What You Need to Know

Digital privacy is something we all care about, and VPNs have become one of the most common tools people use to protect their online activity. But not all VPNs are created equal — and recent findings show that some “free” VPN services may be doing the exact opposite of protecting you.

This announcement is intended for the wider public. Whether you’re a casual internet user, a tech enthusiast, or someone who simply wants to stay safe online, the information below is important.

A Major Warning: Popular Free VPN Caught Collecting AI Chat Data Security researchers have recently discovered that a widely used free VPN browser extension has been secretly collecting and transmitting users’ conversations with major AI platforms.

The extension in question — Urban VPN, available on Chrome and Edge — has been installed by more than 8 million people. Despite being marketed as a privacy tool, it was reportedly found to:

• Intercept AI chat traffic
• Capture user conversations
• Transmit that data to company‑controlled servers
• Do this even when the VPN was turned off

Platforms affected include:

• ChatGPT
• Claude
• Gemini
• Microsoft Copilot
• Perplexity
• DeepSeek
• Grok (xAI)
• Meta AI

This behaviour directly contradicts the privacy claims made by the extension.

Google Confirms a Rise in Malicious VPN Software Google has also issued a warning in its November security bulletin, highlighting a surge in malicious VPN and proxy apps. Users are urged to review any VPN or proxy software installed on their devices:

🔗 https://blog.google/technology/safety-security/fraud-and-scams-advisory-november-2025/

This is not an isolated incident — it’s part of a growing trend.

If You Use a VPN, Read This Carefully VPNs can be useful tools, but free VPNs often come with serious risks. If you have Urban VPN installed, you should remove it immediately.

More broadly, anyone using a VPN — free or paid — should take a moment to review the points below.

The Hidden Dangers of Free VPNs

1. Your Data May Be Sold Many free VPNs make money by collecting and selling user data. This can include browsing activity, device information, and even personal details.

2. Malware Is Common Some free VPN apps contain malicious code that can infect your device or steal sensitive information.

3. Weak or Fake Security Free VPNs often use outdated encryption or none at all, leaving your data exposed.

4. Traffic Hijacking Some free VPNs reroute your internet traffic through unknown servers, which can be used for fraud or botnet activity.

Paid VPNs Are Better — But Not Automatically Safe Even paid VPNs come with risks:

1. Fake Apps Mimicking Real Brands Cybercriminals often create fraudulent apps pretending to be well‑known VPN services.

2. Logging Policies Aren’t Always Honest Some paid VPNs still log user activity or share data with third parties.

3. Ownership Concerns Many VPN companies are owned by unknown or opaque parent organisations.

How to Protect Yourself Download Only from Official Stores Use the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Look for verified developer badges.

Check App Permissions A legitimate VPN should not ask for access to your contacts, messages, photos, or microphone.

Choose Reputable Providers Stick to well‑known VPNs with transparent privacy policies and independent audits.

Keep Everything Updated Security patches matter — update your apps regularly.

Avoid “Free” Unless You Fully Understand the Risks If a product is free, you are often the product.

If You Have Used Urban VPN Remove it immediately from:

• Your browser
• Your device
• Any linked accounts or extensions

Then consider running a malware scan and reviewing any permissions you may have granted.

Stay Safe Online The internet is full of useful tools — but also full of traps. Free VPNs often fall into the latter category. Staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself, your data, and your privacy.

Feel free to share this announcement widely. The more people who know, the safer everyone becomes.