Apple bows to Russian VPN crackdown: What it means for internet freedom

Apple removed 25 VPN applications from its Russian App Store at the request of Roskomnadzor, Russia’s state communications watchdog. This move tightens internet freedoms in Russia, where the government often blocks access to Western social media and digital platforms.

Demand for VPNs in Russia surged after the government restricted access to Western services following President Vladimir Putin’s military actions in Ukraine in 2022. VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, allow users to bypass censorship and access restricted content by routing connections through servers outside of Russia.

The removed apps include popular services like Le VPN, Red Shield VPN, and AdGuard VPN. Representatives from these companies said they received notifications from Apple, stating the removal was due to the inclusion of content illegal in Russia. Vladislav Zdolnikov, CEO and founder of Red Shield VPN, confirmed the apps were in violation of specific Russian laws.

In the U.S., using VPNs is legal and common for enhancing security on public Wi-Fi networks, protecting privacy from surveillance, and accessing geo-restricted content. This contrasts sharply with Russia, where VPN use is heavily restricted and monitored.

The Russian government requires VPNs to connect to a database of banned websites, leading to the blockage of non-compliant VPNs. This is part of a broader strategy to control information flow and suppress dissent, especially concerning actions like the Ukraine invasion.

Apple’s action highlights the broader measures by the Russian government to control the narrative within its borders amid heightened political and military tensions. Russia has a history of monitoring and controlling internet access, including the 2016 “Yarovaya Law,” which mandates internet service providers to store users’ communications data for years and provide access to security agencies.

While Apple halted hardware sales and certain services in Russia following the Ukraine invasion, the company has kept the App Store open.