Apple has removed 25 virtual private network (VPN) apps from the Russian App Store following a request from Roskomnadzor, Russia’s telecommunications watchdog.
Roskomnadzor confirmed to Interfax that the order targets multiple apps (including NordVPN, Proton VPN, Red Shield VPN, Planet VPN, Hidemy.Name VPN, Le VPN, and PIA VPN) used to gain access to content tagged as illegal in Russia, Bleepingcomputer reports.
“We are writing to notify you that your application, per demand from Roskomnadzor will be removed from the Russia App Store because it includes content that is illegal in Russia, which is not in compliance with the App Review Guidelines,” Apple said in emails sent to some of the affected VPN vendors.
“If you need additional information regarding this removal or the laws and requirements in Russia, we encourage you to reach out directly to Roskomnadzor. While your app has been removed from the Russia App Store, it is still available in the App Stores for the other territories you selected in App Store Connect.”
For Russian users, the removal of these VPN apps represents a significant limitation on their ability to access unrestricted internet content and maintain online privacy.
VPNs have been essential tools for circumventing government censorship, and their absence may drive users towards riskier or less reliable alternatives.
