Apple Eliminates VPN Applications from Russian App Store Under Government Influence
Apple took down a variety of virtual private network (VPN) applications in Russia from its App Store on July 4, 2024, after receiving a demand from Russia’s state communications watchdog Roskomnadzor, Russian media outlets disclosed.
This action encompassed the mobile applications of 25 VPN service providers, including ProtonVPN, Red Shield VPN, NordVPN, and Le VPN, as reported by MediaZona. It’s important to mention that NordVPN previously ceased operations of its Russian servers in March 2019.
“Apple’s decisions, driven by a desire to maintain profits from the Russian market, actively uphold an oppressive regime,” stated Red Shield VPN in a press release. “This action is not only ill-considered but a violation of society’s rights.”
Similarly, Le VPN mentioned in a statement that the removal was carried out in compliance with No. 7 of Article 15.1 of Federal Law dated July 27, 2006, No. 149-FZ “On Information, Information Technologies, and Information Security,” and that their app was removed even before receiving an official notice from the watchdog.
Consequently, the VPN services have been added to the “Unified Register” of internet resources banned for public viewing in Russia.
“This incident signifies a significant stride in Roskomnadzor’s continuous efforts to govern internet accessibility and content in Russian territory,” it added.
To counter the extensive crackdown, Le VPN has introduced an alternative service named Le VPN Give, which they claim “enables you to connect to our hidden servers using third-party open-source software and disguised VPN connections.”
This development forms part of a series of censorship measures announced by the Kremlin since the commencement of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict in February 2022, leading to the blocking of various media platforms and social networking applications including Facebook, Instagram, and X.
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