Facebook to pull VPN app from App Store over data worry

TIL Desk/Business/San Francisco/ Facebook will pull Onavo Protect virtual private network application from the App Store after getting word that it violates Apple’s data collection rules. The free application creates an encrypted VPN connection that routes internet activity through computer servers managed and secured by Facebook.

 The app also alerts users when sites they visit might be malicious. Facebook is able to gather information about how people use smartphones outside of the leading social network’s services, potentially gleaning insights about rivals or internet trends.

“We’ve always been clear when people download Onavo about the information that is collected and how it is used,” a Facebook spokeswoman told. “As a developer on Apple’s platform we follow the rules they’ve put in place.” Facebook did not comment regarding whether it is removing Onavo from the App Store.