Apple has removed 25 virtual private network (VPN) apps from its Russian App Store following a request from Russia’s state communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor. This move is part of a broader effort by the Russian government to control internet access and content within the country, especially since the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war in 2022.
Key Takeaways
- Apple removed 25 VPN apps from its Russian App Store on July 4, 2024, following a request from Roskomnadzor.
- The affected VPN services include NordVPN, Proton VPN, Red Shield VPN, Planet VPN, Hidemy.Name VPN, Le VPN, and PIA VPN.
- The removal is part of Russia’s ongoing efforts to control internet access and content within its territory.
- VPN services have been included in the "Unified register" of internet resources prohibited for public distribution in Russia.
- The crackdown on VPNs has intensified since the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war in February 2022.
Background
The demand for VPN services in Russia surged after President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into Ukraine in 2022, leading to restrictions on access to some Western social media platforms. VPNs have been a crucial tool for Russian users to circumvent these restrictions and access blocked content.
Roskomnadzor has been increasingly targeting VPN applications since the invasion of Ukraine. This latest move to remove VPN apps from the App Store is part of a broader and older effort to block access to such services. In July 2017, Putin signed a bill banning VPNs, proxies, and Tor, but enforcement only began in March 2019.
Impact on VPN Providers
The affected VPN providers have expressed their discontent with Apple’s decision. Red Shield VPN stated that Apple’s actions support an authoritarian regime and are a crime against civil society. Le VPN mentioned that the takedown was carried out in accordance with Russian federal law and that their app was removed even before receiving an official notice from Roskomnadzor.
To counter the crackdown, Le VPN has launched an alternative service called Le VPN Give, which allows users to connect to secret servers using third-party open-source software and obfuscated VPN connections.
Broader Implications
This development is part of a series of censorship moves by the Kremlin since the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war. Several media outlets and social media apps, including Facebook, Instagram, and X, have been blocked in Russia. The removal of VPN apps from the App Store is another step in Roskomnadzor’s ongoing efforts to control internet access and content within Russian territory.
Conclusion
Apple’s decision to remove VPN apps from its Russian App Store highlights the increasing pressure tech companies face from authoritarian regimes. While the move may help Apple retain revenue from the Russian market, it raises significant concerns about internet freedom and the role of tech companies in supporting or resisting government censorship efforts.
Sources
- Apple Removes VPN Apps from Russian App Store Amid Government Pressure, The Hacker News.
- Russia forces Apple to remove dozens of VPN apps from App Store, BleepingComputer.
- Russia says Apple blocks 25 VPN apps in Russia, IFX reports | Reuters, Reuters.
- Apple removes VPN apps at request of Russian authorities, say app makers | TechCrunch, TechCrunch.