Security Experts Warn Against Popular Chrome VPN Extension FreeVPN.one

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Security experts have issued a serious warning regarding the widely-used Google Chrome VPN extension, FreeVPN.one—an add-on that has been downloaded over 1 million times from the Chrome Web Store.

While many users install VPN extensions to protect their online privacy and bypass geo-restrictions, recent findings suggest that FreeVPN.one might be doing the exact opposite: spying on its users.

FreeVPN.one: A Privacy Tool or a Surveillance Threat?

FreeVPN.one claims to help users browse the web anonymously, but researchers have discovered that the extension takes screenshots of every website a user visits. This behavior raises significant privacy concerns, especially considering the type of information potentially being captured.

These screenshots may include:

 Personal photos

 Online banking pages

 Private emails

 Medical records

 Password-protected portals

This means sensitive data could be inadvertently shared without the user’s consent or awareness.

What is “AI Threat Detection” Really Doing?

The extension features a tool called "AI Threat Detection", which alerts users that a screenshot is being taken—but only on "suspicious" websites. However, cybersecurity experts claim that other monitoring features continue to collect data without notification.

The issue:

Even though developers claim that these screenshots are not stored and are only used temporarily for analysis, there’s no clear way to verify this.

Why This Matters

VPNs and browser extensions are often trusted to enhance security, but this incident proves that not all tools are created equally. Extensions like FreeVPN.one could actually make users more vulnerable.

If you're using any kind of free VPN service, especially browser-based extensions, it's essential to:

 Review permissions before installing

 Read recent user reviews

 Choose reputable VPN providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or ProtonVPN

 Follow updates from trusted cybersecurity websites like Krebs onSecurity or The HackerNews

Final Thoughts: Choose Privacy-Conscious Tools

In a world where online privacy is constantly under threat, using secure tools is more important than ever. This situation with FreeVPN.one is a stark reminder that free isn't always safe, and not all Chrome extensions are as harmless as they seem.

If you are concerned about your privacy, consider using open-source, transparent, and independently audited tools. For example, the EFF's Privacy Badger or uBlockOrigin are excellent alternatives for browser privacy.

Stay Informed, Stay Secure

To stay up-to-date on the latest in cybersecurity threats, browser security tips, and VPN recommendations, subscribe to our newsletter or follow our blog.

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