Apple is taking down VPN apps following the Russian censorship agency demands
Le VPN was removed from the Russian App Store due to non-compliance with local laws. The incident highlights Roskomnadzor's control over internet content and tech companies, impacting future services and global tech operations.
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The VPN service provider Le VPN was recently removed from the Russian App Store following a demand from Roskomnadzor, the Russian regulatory body for media and telecommunications. The removal was due to non-compliance with local legal requirements, citing content deemed illegal in Russia. Le VPN has confirmed the app's removal, appealed the decision, and engaged with human rights activists and other VPN providers to address the situation. This incident reflects Roskomnadzor's efforts to control internet access and content in Russia, potentially impacting other services in the future. The removal marks a significant development in Roskomnadzor's influence over tech companies like Apple and highlights the challenges faced by service providers in navigating regulatory environments. The outcome of this event could have broader implications for global tech companies operating in jurisdictions with strict regulations, affecting both business operations and user access to digital resources.
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8 commentsApple should be stripped off this power. EU's DMA is a first step, but we need such policies applied everywhere. So far, the only ones who benefit from AppStore monopoly are Apple themselves and various authoritarians around the world.
Hidemy.Name VPN IVPN Le VPN NordVPN Private Internet Access VPN Proton VPN Red Shield VPN
Some of these providers, including Le VPN and Red Shield VPN, were actively involved in resisting Roskomnadzor's efforts to block Telegram in Russia back in 2018. This action by Apple, in compliance with Roskomnadzor's demands, appears to be more extensive than initially thought. It may indicate a broader crackdown on VPN services in Russia and potentially occupied territories, rather than just a preliminary step. The situation continues to develop, and we'll monitor for any further removals or policy changes affecting VPN accessibility in the region.
RKN tried to block Telegram in Russia in 2018 but they couldn't block it after a few years of struggle.
In 2024 RKN already pushed away big VPN players who were too big and slow to adapt and obfuscate their protocols.
They do this in waves:
1) first just notices 2) then website domain block 3) then they sent abuse requests to hosting companies, like this:
"It is notice of making an entry into the "Unified register of domain names, Internet web-site page links and network addresses enabling to identify the Internet web-sites containing the information prohibited for public distribution in the Russian Federation” the Internet web-site page (s) link (s): https://xxx.xxx/ .
In case the hosting provider and (or) the Internet web-site owner fail to take these measures, the network address enabling to identify Internet web-sites containing the information prohibited for distribution in the Russian Federation will be decided to be entered into the Register and access will be limited.
The information about entering the domain names, Internet web-site page links and network addresses into the Register shall be available on a 24-hour basis at the following Internet address: http://eais.rkn.gov.ru/en/ .
Federal Service for Supervision in the Sphere of Telecom, Information Technologies and Mass Communications (ROSKOMNADZOR)."
They did send takedown requests in 2018 too, but somehow every hosting provider at that point of time knew that this was bs and they mostly ignored that.
4) Block internal API domains to disrupt VPN apps
5) And finally request app removal from App Store.
My guess is it's their final chance to win this situation.
In 2018 RKN pressured Apple to remove the Telegram app too.
Apple even suspended Telegram app updates for some time.
Related
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The US Commerce Department banned Kaspersky's antivirus sales to new customers from July 20, limiting updates for existing users until September 29. Alleged national security concerns over Kaspersky's Russian ties prompted the ban.
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Google One has discontinued its VPN service due to low usage. Existing Pixel owners retain access to a limited Pixel VPN. Google Fi Wireless subscribers can still use a VPN service. Users should delete the now-defunct VPN app from their devices.
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EU accuses Apple of Digital Markets Act violations for restricting App Store alternatives and charging high developer fees. New probe initiated on contractual terms. Apple defends changes, faces potential fines up to 10%.
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Apple bows to Kremlin pressure to remove leading VPNs from Russian AppStore
Apple complies with Kremlin's request to remove VPN services from Russian AppStore due to Roskomnadzor's pressure. This move aligns with increased online censorship in Russia post-Ukraine invasion, impacting access to blocked content.