Apple has taken significant steps to restrict digital freedom in Russia by quietly removing nearly 100 VPN apps from its App Store, according to a report from online freedom advocate GreatFire. This move comes in the wake of Russia’s increased censorship efforts following the invasion of Ukraine. While Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has officially documented the removal of only 25 VPN applications, GreatFire’s investigation reveals that around 60 of these apps were silently eliminated between early July and September 2024. This discrepancy raises concerns about a lack of transparency and potential complicity in government censorship.
The absence of VPNs in the Russian App Store severely limits citizens’ ability to access secure communication tools and bypass state-imposed censorship. VPNs are crucial for journalists, activists, and everyday users seeking to obtain information and communicate freely in an increasingly restrictive digital environment. As the Russian government continues to enforce strict laws against unapproved VPNs, including a 2017 law that outlawed certain providers, the pressure on tech companies like Apple to comply with state regulations has intensified.
Benjamin Ismail, Director of the App Censorship Project at GreatFire, has voiced alarm over Apple’s actions, emphasizing that the unilateral removal of these essential tools undermines users’ rights to privacy and access to information. Critics argue that Apple is enabling government censorship and failing to uphold its commitments to human rights. The organization has called for Apple to provide a clear explanation for its decision-making processes, urging the company to reverse its course and prioritize the rights of its users over compliance with authoritarian demands.
The ongoing situation serves as a reminder of the complexities tech companies face when navigating censorship laws in authoritarian regimes. With nearly 100 VPN apps now unavailable, advocates warn that Apple’s actions could set a troubling precedent for corporate complicity in state-sponsored censorship. As more companies confront the challenges posed by oppressive governments, the need for transparency and a commitment to digital freedom becomes increasingly critical. Cybernews has reached out to Apple for comment and will update the story as more information becomes available.
