Security News > 2024 > July > Russia forces Apple to remove dozens of VPN apps from App Store
Apple has removed 25 virtual private network apps from the Russian App Store at the request of Roskomnadzor, Russia's telecommunications watchdog.
Roskomnadzor confirmed to Interfax that the order targets multiple apps used to gain access to content tagged as illegal in Russia.
"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."
Red Shield VPN and LeVPN, two of the companies that had their apps removed, confirmed that Apple emailed about the ban and advised them to contact Roskomnadzor for more details.
Russia also banned Opera VPN and VyprVPN in June 2021 and six more VPN services in December 2021 after classifying them as threats.