Apple Removes VPN Apps at Request of Russian Authorities

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Highlights

VPN Crackdown: Apple removed 25 VPN apps from its Russian App Store following government demands.
Censorship Impact: The removal hampers Russian users’ ability to bypass internet restrictions.
Developer Backlash: VPN developers criticize Apple for aiding in the enforcement of censorship.

Apple Complies with Russian VPN Ban, Removes Apps from Store

Apple has taken down several VPN apps from its App Store in Russia following demands from the government’s communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, according to VPN developers.

Government Demand and App Removal – VPNs Targeted by Roskomnadzor

Russian news agency Interfax reported that Apple removed 25 VPN apps from its Russian App Store. This move came after Roskomnadzor, the federal body regulating internet access in Russia, requested their removal.

VPNs and Internet Censorship – Essential Tools for Circumventing Restrictions

In Russia, the internet is heavily controlled and censored, making VPNs crucial for users to bypass restrictions and access blocked content. The removal of these apps is a significant blow to internet freedom in the country.

Le VPN and Red Shield VPN informed TechCrunch that Apple notified them about the removal. The letter, addressed to Red Shield VPN, stated, “Your application will be removed from the Russia App Store because it includes content that is illegal in Russia, which is not in compliance with the App Review Guidelines.”

Legal Compliance and Local Laws – VPN Apps in Violation of Russian Law

Apple’s letter emphasized the need for apps to comply with local laws where they are available. The removals were authorized under a specific article of Russia’s federal law, although no detailed reasons were provided.

This action is part of a larger crackdown on VPNs in Russia, especially noted after the government banned VPN advertising ahead of the March elections. Red Shield VPN and other apps like HideMyName and Le VPN have been targeted despite their efforts to help users circumvent censorship.

Developer Reactions – Developers Criticize Apple’s Compliance

Vladislav Zdolnikov, CEO and founder of Red Shield VPN, criticized Apple for aiding Russian authorities in blocking these services. Similarly, Konstantin Votinov, founder of Le VPN, mentioned that they received a notice from Roskomnadzor via Apple only after their app was already removed.

Despite halting hardware exports and some services to Russia in 2022 to protest the invasion of Ukraine, Apple’s App Store remains operational in the country. Apple and the Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C. did not respond to requests for comments.