Urgent: Uninstall This Verified VPN Chrome Extension Now

Encountering a verified checkmark next to a Chrome extension often leads users to trust its legitimacy, especially if it enjoys popularity among users. Unfortunately, this is not the case for the FreeVPN. One extension, which prioritizes surveillance over user privacy.

Invasive Screenshotting by FreeVPN. One

The primary function of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is to conceal your online activities from prying eyes, making it a popular choice for bypassing geo-restrictions, particularly for streaming content. However, the FreeVPN. One Chrome extension, initially designed as a legitimate VPN, has undergone troubling changes.

Since April 2025, users discovered alarming updates, including a feature that allows the extension to take screenshots of web pages. While it was claimed that users could request these screenshots for artificial intelligence analysis, the developers later revealed that automatic screenshots are also captured if a suspicious domain is detected. This occurs 11 seconds after a page loads, irrespective of the content viewed, leaving users unaware that any data is being collected.

Despite the developer’s assurance that captured screenshots are not stored, the core issue remains: they are taken without user consent and are enabled by default. Promises of future updates to make this feature optional do little to assuage privacy concerns.

Any extension or application that captures screenshots without explicit permission should be considered hazardous. Notably, even Microsoft’s Recall faced backlash for its screenshot capabilities.

For safety, it’s advisable to uninstall the FreeVPN. One extension immediately to prevent the potential capture of sensitive information, including passwords and financial details. If you’ve used this extension, consider updating any credentials associated with websites you accessed during your usage.

Assessing the Safety of Chrome Extensions

Being featured on the Chrome Web Store does not equate to safety. FreeVPN. One serves as an example of this risk, remaining available despite known security concerns. Here are some effective methods to evaluate the safety of Chrome extensions:

Review Feedback: Examine user reviews, paying close attention to any negative experiences.
Conduct Online Searches: A simple search for safety warnings can yield useful information about the extension.
Assess Permissions: A comprehensive permissions list may not be visible until after installation. Access chrome://extensions to review these settings. Remove any extensions that seem questionable.
Verify Developer Credentials: Check the linked developer website; in this case, Malwarebytes flagged the site due to Trojan risks.

Are Free VPNs Always Unsafe?

Not every free VPN poses a threat, but many engage in data collection practices that compromise user privacy. Additionally, they often exhibit slow speeds, rendering them ineffective during peak usage times. Many free VPN services also fail to deliver on promises of anonymity, frequently leaking user IP addresses to websites and ISPs.

A reliable VPN should effectively mask your IP address by providing you with a new one. To verify the integrity of both free and paid VPNs, consider testing them for IP leaks and unsecured traffic. In general, exercising caution with free VPNs is prudent, except for limited versions of reputable premium VPNs, which tend to function similarly to their full-priced counterparts but with capped data limits.

Exploring VPN Alternatives

While you may think VPNs are the sole option for safeguarding your online activity, several alternatives exist. For instance, privacy-centric browsers can block trackers and enhance data protection. Some of these browsers even incorporate encryption features or IP address masking. TOR is a prevalent choice for users seeking anonymity, although it may not suit everyone’s needs.

If you are focused on securing individual connections, SSH (Secure Shell) tunneling can be an effective option. It encrypts data during transmission, creating a dedicated connection to deter man-in-the-middle attacks. However, it’s best suited for minimal connections.

Additionally, consider utilizing reputable Chrome extensions designed to bolster your privacy. These can provide functionalities ranging from ad and tracker blocking to site security assessments. Ultimately, the most effective strategy for those utilizing public Wi-Fi is to invest in a premium VPN. While you may not need to rely on it for all online activities, it provides critical protection for sensitive data, even in home environments.

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