Proton investigation reveals extensive tracking in free mobile games

A recent investigation by Proton has uncovered significant data tracking within popular free-to-play Android games. Analyzing top downloads from May 2026, the study found that most examined titles utilize a dense network of advertising and analytical trackers to collect user information.

On average, apps contained nearly 29 trackers, with some titles like Vita Mahjong containing as many as 36. The study highlighted concerns regarding location data, noting that even simple puzzle or coloring apps often request exact user coordinates.

Data transmission patterns show a global reach; in Germany, 97 percent of the top 100 games transmit data to companies in Five Eyes nations, 91 percent to Israel, 82 percent to China, and 69 percent to Russia. The investigation specifically focused on Android applications, leaving the tracking prevalence in iPhone versions unverified.