Apple has removed nearly 100 VPN (Virtual Private Network) applications from its Russian App Store, a figure notably higher than what Russian authorities have officially reported. VPNs play a crucial role for many Russian citizens, allowing them to bypass government-imposed restrictions and access blocked sites, including media outlets run by exiled Russian journalists and major foreign news organizations like EL PAÍS.
According to the GreatFire project, which tracks internet censorship, Apple has eliminated 98 VPN apps, with 60 of those removals occurring in just the last three months. This represents a stark increase compared to Apple’s earlier admission of only 12 app removals at the request of the Russian government this year.
“By unilaterally restricting access to these essential tools without transparency or due process, Apple is complicit in enabling government censorship,” stated Benjamin Ismail, director of the App Censorship Project at GreatFire.
Going Beyond Official Requests
While Roskomnadzor, Russia’s federal communications agency, claimed Apple removed 25 VPN apps at its behest, GreatFire’s findings suggest that the tech company has exceeded these official requests significantly. The removals occurred on specific dates, indicating possible coordinated efforts by Apple rather than individual app withdrawals. Roskomsvoboda, a Russian internet freedom group, noted that major VPN services like CyberGhost and ExpressVPN were removed without any public announcement. Previously, other well-known services such as ProtonVPN and NordVPN were also taken down.
Ismail criticized Apple for failing to uphold its own policies regarding freedom of information, which advocate for open societies where information flows freely. He asserted that Apple’s actions in Russia contradict its stated commitments to privacy and freedom of expression.
VPNs are vital for Russian users aiming to maintain online privacy and navigate the Kremlin’s strict internet regulations. These tools allow users to mask their location and access content otherwise blocked, making them targets for authoritarian governments.
Though Russia has not enforced a total VPN ban, the removal of nearly 100 services raises alarms for individuals trying to connect to restricted platforms. The country has already banned Instagram and Facebook, branding Meta a “terrorist organization.” Additionally, YouTube’s functionality has been severely restricted, with users experiencing throttled speeds that render the platform nearly unusable.
Google’s YouTube has also taken action against Russian channels accused of spreading propaganda, while Google has suspended Russian AdSense accounts and limited new account creation in the country.
Western Tech Companies’ Dilemma
Despite ongoing sanctions and the conflict with Ukraine, major Western tech companies, including Apple, maintain a presence in Russia, albeit indirectly. While Apple has officially exited the Russian market, its products, like iPhones, continue to circulate through third-party resellers, often imported from countries like Turkey and China at inflated prices due to sanctions.
For instance, the iPhone 16 Pro’s 256-gigabyte model is being sold at around 165,999 rubles (approximately $1,780), significantly above its international price. Demand for Apple products has reportedly risen by 15%, highlighting the ongoing popularity of the brand among Russian consumers.
Even as many tech firms refrain from selling directly to Russian customers, some still operate within a legal gray area. Browsers continue to provide geolocation-based advertising, and until recently, Russians were able to create new Gmail accounts. Google only fully halted its AdSense and BigQuery services in Russia as of August 2024, suggesting ongoing access to certain services.
Contradictions in Kremlin’s Stance on VPNs
Russia’s approach to VPN use is marked by contradiction. The government is actively working to block VPN services while officials, including spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, openly acknowledge using them. In a past interview, Peskov confirmed having a VPN on his phone, stating, “Well, of course. Why not? This is not prohibited.”
Despite the government’s efforts to curb VPN usage, these services remain popular among Russians. Pro-Kremlin figures and state-funded media like Russia Today utilize social media platforms, often accessed through VPNs, to disseminate their narratives to both domestic and international audiences.
