By According to reports, Apple has removed 25 virtual private network (VPN) applications from its Russian App Store. This action follows increased efforts by Russian authorities to limit access to online services that enable users to circumvent internet censorship, as reported by Reuters, citing the Interfax news agency.
“Apple’s actions, driven by the intention to maintain revenue from the Russian market, effectively endorse an authoritarian regime,” stated Red Shield VPN. “This is not merely irresponsible but constitutes a crime against civil society,” the statement continued.
Russia’s VPN Suppression Efforts
- Millions of Russians have downloaded VPNs to circumvent government censorship and access content prohibited by authorities.
- The report indicates that the Russian government has outlawed approximately 150 VPNs and aims to completely eradicate these services. Many opposition media websites and foreign social media platforms have also been blacklisted.
- As a result, freelance developers and VPN companies are striving to create more robust tools to bypass censorship.
- The Reuters report cites Anton Gorelkin, deputy head of the parliamentary committee on information policy, stating, “…Apple is among the few American companies attempting to comply with Russian laws and maintain communication with the regulator.”
- “I believe this stance is motivated by the desire to officially re-enter the Russian market in the future.”
Russia’s Tensions with Major Tech Firms
- Russia has long-standing conflicts with major tech companies, primarily concerning content regulation, data control, and censorship.
- Following the invasion of Ukraine, Apple halted all product sales in Russia and restricted its Apple Pay service.
- According to a Russian legislator, Apple has previously removed Red Shield VPN, Le VPN, Proton VPN, and NordVPN in accordance with directives from the communications regulator Roskomnadzor.
