Privacy

Cybersecurity firm Koi Security revealed that FreeVPN.One, a Chrome VPN extension with over 100,000 users, has been secretly capturing and transmitting screenshots of users' browsing activity to remote servers[^1][^2].

The spyware functionality was introduced in July 2025 after earlier updates expanded the extension's permissions. According to researcher Lotan Sery from Koi Security, "FreeVPN.One shows how a privacy branding can be flipped into a trap"[^3].

When confronted, the developer claimed screenshots were only taken of suspicious sites and were encrypted, but researchers found evidence of capture on trusted sites like Google Photos[^5]. The extension's "AI Threat Detection" feature discloses taking screenshots, but Koi Security found most surveillance occurred silently in the background[^8].

The case highlights growing risks with free VPN services, particularly as demand increases due to new online safety regulations in the UK requiring age verification[^3].

[^1]: GIGAZINE - Chrome VPN Extension Accused of Secretly Capturing User Screenshots

[^2]: It's FOSS - Google Verified FreeVPN Caught Red-handed Spying on its Users

[^3]: VARINDIA - Chrome VPN Extension Accused of Secretly Capturing User Screenshots

[^5]: It's FOSS - Google Verified FreeVPN Caught Red-handed Spying on its Users

[^8]: Instagram - Dhaka Chronicles post about FreeVPN.One spying