1 in 6 VPNs Track Your Location, According to New Report From Proton

One in six VPN services quietly record users’ location, a finding that clashes with the privacy promise of these tools. The same Proton analysis also shows that 85 % of VPN apps downloaded in the United States embed tracking components, a contrast that underscores a systemic privacy gap. Proton’s report, cited by MacSources and CNET, flags the hidden trackers as a serious risk for the millions of Americans who rely on VPNs for anonymity.

CyberInsider echoed the 85 % figure, while TechRadar warned that this exposure puts everyday VPN users at unintended risk. Forbes broadened the scope, linking Chinese mobile apps to covert spying on millions of iPhone and Android devices, suggesting the tracking issue may extend beyond VPNs alone. The findings directly affect the large base of U.S.

VPN subscribers and any mobile user of Chinese‑origin applications. As the data gains traction, industry analysts and consumer‑privacy groups are expected to scrutinize app‑store vetting processes and push for clearer disclosures. Users may begin to compare VPN providers’ privacy policies more critically, while regulators could consider tighter oversight of tracking practices in the coming weeks.