Chrome Extension Spies: Everything You Do – Alert
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Chrome VPN Extension Spies on 100,000+ Users – Uninstall Now!
A free Chrome VPN extension, FreeVPN.One, has been caught spying on its 100,000+ users, secretly taking screenshots of every page they visit. The extension, which surprisingly held Google’s “Featured” badge, was discovered to be malicious by researchers at Koi Security.
The spyware, still available on the Chrome Web Store as of August 23, 2025, began its intrusive activity on July 17, 2025, just before the UK’s strict age verification rules came into effect, leading many users to seek VPNs as a workaround.
What did it do?
FreeVPN.One didn’t just mask IP addresses; it actively monitored and recorded user activity through screenshots. This data collection raises serious privacy concerns.
How was it discovered?
Koi Security researchers detected the malicious behavior, revealing the extent of the surveillance. The extension’s actions were a stark betrayal of user trust, especially given its “Featured” status on the chrome Web Store.
What should you do?
If you have FreeVPN.One installed, uninstall it immediately. The extension poses a notable risk to your online privacy and security.
Is Google doing enough?
The fact that a malicious extension with over 100,000 installs and a “Verified” badge could slip through Google’s security measures raises questions about the effectiveness of the Chrome Web Store’s vetting process. This incident highlights the need for increased vigilance and more robust security checks to protect users from harmful extensions.
Stay Safe Online
This incident serves as a crucial reminder to be cautious when installing browser extensions, especially free VPNs. Always research the developer and read reviews