Several VPN apps have been removed. The Russian Apple App Store is available at the request of its state provider.
Government Request
The Interfax reports that Apple eliminated about 25 VPN applications from its Russian App Store last week after Roskomnadzor’s request. Roskomnadzor is a governmental body that regulates the internet and demands removals.
TOPCLAPS Report
TOPCLAPS reported on Monday that two companies offering VPN services—Le VPN and Red Shield VPN—had received letters from Apple stating that their applications would no longer be available through the App Store.
Apple’s Notification
According to TechCrunch, through a screenshot. “We are writing to notify you that your application will be removed. The Russia App Store per demand from Roskomnadzor because it contains illegal content in Russia,” Apple’s notification letter addressed to Red Shield VPN CEO Vladislav Zdolnikov.
Developer Notification
Another source provided TechCrunch with a sample version of the same letter he received from his friends who were developers of some banned apps. This letter states that these particular VPN apps violate Russian law.
Compliance with Local Laws
The letter stated, “In any place where you choose to make your app available for download,” (if you are unsure, ask a lawyer),” Apps must respect all legal requirements, including: “This may appear complicated, but it is something for which you must take responsibility—understand what Russia’s legislation dictates in order not only to align your app with guidelines but also with all local laws.”
Reason for Removal
Although the letter did not provide a specific reason for removing these apps, Roskomnadzor relied upon a particular article of Russian federal law when ordering its takedown.
Context of the Ban
Following this ban introduced before the country’s election scheduled for March this year, which outlawed the advertising of virtual private networks (VPNs), this has become the latest move against VPNs by Russian authorities.
Developer Reactions
Red Shield VPN’s founder, Mr. Zdolnikov, added in an email that other deleted applications, such as Le VPN and HideMyName, including Red Shield VPN, were created and maintained by experienced developers who have a deep knowledge of Russia’s censorship mechanisms on the internet.
Continued Accessibility
“As these restrictions can be bypassed and our services continue to improve over time, it means that despite many years of trying to block them, they are still accessible to users,” wrote Zdolnikov. “So Apple helped Russian authorities with its work much better.”
Impact on VPN Providers
Le VPN’s founder, Konstantin Votinov, disclosed that on July 4, his corporation received an official notice from Apple regarding the removal. As Votinov explained, Roskomnadzor considered the App Store description content for Le VPN to be “violating material.”
Broader Operation
“Our application was taken down without giving us any chance to address their concerns when [Roskomnadzor] alerted us via Apple. This is part of a broader operation which affects no less than 25 virtual private network providers in Russia,” according to him.
Apple’s Response
While Apple ceased its hardware exports to Russia, it dropped some services during this time. The Ukraine invasion in 2022, its app store stays open.
