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.
Read original article
Apple has yielded to pressure from the Kremlin and removed several VPN services from the Russian AppStore following a request from Roskomnadzor, Russia's media regulator. The banned VPN services include popular ones like ProtonVPN, Red Shield VPN, NordVPN, and Le VPN. While existing users can still use these services, they are unable to update them, and new downloads are prohibited. This move comes amidst increased online censorship in Russia since the invasion of Ukraine, leading to the blocking of various media outlets and social media platforms. VPNs have become essential for accessing blocked content in Russia, but they have faced increasing restrictions, including a ban on promoting VPNs. Apple's compliance with Russian regulations has led to the removal of at least 19 apps from the Russian AppStore, including those developed by the late Russian opposition politician Alexey Navalny's team. This action reflects Apple's ongoing cooperation with Russian authorities despite suspending product sales in the country earlier this year.
Related
US Bans Kaspersky Software
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.
VPN by Google One shuts down
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.
European Union regulators accuse Apple of breaching the bloc's tech rules
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%.
OpenDNS Suspends Service in France Due to Canal+ Piracy Blocking Order
A French court tightens anti-piracy measures, leading Cisco to withdraw OpenDNS from France. Canal+ targets pirate sites, prompting Google, Cloudflare, and Cisco to block access to 117 domains. This move raises concerns about internet infrastructure neutrality.
Microsoft tells yet more customers their emails have been stolen
Microsoft notifies customers of email theft by Russian criminals, expanding breach scope. Compromised accounts' correspondents informed. US auto dealers face disruptions from cyber incident linked to CDK software. Rabbit R1 AI devices' security flaw disclosed. EU sanctions Russians for cyber attacks.
7 commentsSome more discussion: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=40873349
Related
US Bans Kaspersky Software
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.
VPN by Google One shuts down
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.
European Union regulators accuse Apple of breaching the bloc's tech rules
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%.
OpenDNS Suspends Service in France Due to Canal+ Piracy Blocking Order
A French court tightens anti-piracy measures, leading Cisco to withdraw OpenDNS from France. Canal+ targets pirate sites, prompting Google, Cloudflare, and Cisco to block access to 117 domains. This move raises concerns about internet infrastructure neutrality.
Microsoft tells yet more customers their emails have been stolen
Microsoft notifies customers of email theft by Russian criminals, expanding breach scope. Compromised accounts' correspondents informed. US auto dealers face disruptions from cyber incident linked to CDK software. Rabbit R1 AI devices' security flaw disclosed. EU sanctions Russians for cyber attacks.