Apple Explains Why VPN Apps Are Being Removed from the Russian App Store

Apple representatives have responded to an inquiry from the organization Reporters Without Borders, stating that the company is complying with the requirements of Roskomnadzor by removing VPN apps from the App Store in Russia. According to Apple, failure to meet these legal demands could put the company’s business in Russia at risk.

“Failure to comply with lawful requirements could result in Apple no longer being able to support the App Store or distribute content in the country. The U.S. government encourages companies to provide Russian citizens with communication services, as the availability of these services best supports the observance of democratic principles,” Apple representatives told Reporters Without Borders.

Background on VPN App Removals

Earlier this year, it was reported that, at the request of Roskomnadzor, Apple blocked 25 different VPN service apps from the App Store in Russia. Developers of Le VPN and Red Shield VPN confirmed their apps were removed, and Proton VPN and NordVPN also disappeared from the store.

Several months later, analysts from the GreatFire project calculated that at least 98 VPN apps had been removed from the Russian App Store in total—far more than Apple has publicly acknowledged. According to researchers, this behavior poses a direct threat to digital freedom and privacy.

Comparison to Previous Actions in China

The GreatFire report also reminded readers that in 2017, Apple removed all VPN apps from the Chinese App Store, and has not allowed them to return since.