According to TechRadar, the notorious Free Unlimited VPN extension has returned to the Chrome Web Store just months after being removed in May 2025. The new version already accumulated over 31,000 installs before being taken down around November 20. Security researchers at LayerX Security discovered this is actually the third iteration of the malicious extension, with previous versions having spied on more than 9 million users over six years. The extension promised “no ads, no registrations, and unlimited traffic” while sporting a convincing 4.4-star rating from over 110 reviews. Researchers found it functioned as a “full browser-level surveillance mechanism” that intercepted traffic and redirected users to dangerous phishing pages.
The bait and switch
Here’s the thing about free VPNs – they’re almost never actually free. You’re just paying with your data instead of your wallet. This particular extension looked legitimate on the surface, but behind the scenes it was doing some seriously shady stuff. It was fetching hidden configuration files from remote servers, altering proxy settings in real time, and intercepting browser navigation events. Basically, what users thought was privacy protection was actually a remote-controlled surveillance tool.
Why you should care
Think about what you do through your browser. Banking, email, work documents, personal conversations – this extension could see all of it. The researchers found the new July 2025 version is “notably more advanced and evasive” than previous iterations, making it harder to detect. We’re talking about risks ranging from traffic interception and stealthy redirection to persistent remote control and severe privacy breaches. And the scary part? This isn’t some obscure threat – it was sitting right there in the official Chrome Web Store with thousands of downloads.
The free VPN problem
This isn’t an isolated incident. Google actually warned about malicious VPN apps acting as spyware just a week before this report dropped. The pattern is clear: free VPN extensions promise privacy while delivering the exact opposite. Even when they’re not outright malicious, you’re often dealing with poor performance and intrusive data-grabbing ads. So what’s the solution? If you absolutely need a free VPN, stick with reputable providers like Proton VPN that have transparent privacy policies. Their free version has limitations, but at least you’re not trading your entire digital life for a bit of convenience.
The bottom line
Look, I get the appeal of free tools. But when it comes to something that handles all your internet traffic, you really can’t afford to cut corners. If you downloaded this Free Unlimited VPN extension, uninstall it immediately and clear all related data. And going forward, be extremely skeptical of any free VPN promising the world. That “free” price tag often comes with hidden costs that could compromise your security and privacy in ways you never anticipated. Sometimes the cheapest option ends up being the most expensive.
