Apple explained that it removed Russian media and VPN service apps from the App Store because “the principles of democracy are best supported by the availability of services.”

Apple has removed applications from a number of media and VPN services in the Russian segment of the App Store, since management is subject to the requirements of local legislation. This is stated in the company's response to a request from Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

“Failure to comply with lawful orders may mean that Apple will no longer be able to operate the App Store or distribute content in the country. The U.S. government encourages companies to continue to provide communications services to Russian citizens because the principles of democracy are best supported by the availability of these services,” Apple said.

RSF notes that the company continues to supply iPhones to Russia despite numerous Western sanctions; in 2024, the share of sales of Apple devices in the Russian Federation amounted to 12% of the entire market - this figure is higher than in 2020.

RSF emphasized that Apple's compliance with "arbitrary orders from an authoritarian state" calls into question its public commitment to freedom of information.

“Apple's submission to Russian censorship severely limits Russian citizens' access to reliable and independent information. It also discourages media in exile, which invest time and resources into developing apps to reach their audiences in Russia.

Freedom of information must prevail over economic opportunism. RSF calls on Apple to show more firmness towards the Russian censor. The tech giant must stop submitting to regulators that do not comply with international data security standards,” said Jeanne Cavelier, RSF’s head of Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

In September 2024, the GreatFire project, which monitors censored websites, reported that Apple had removed 98 VPN apps from the Russian App Store, including NordVPN, Proton VPN and Red Shield VPN.

In addition, the company removed other applications in the Russian segment of the App Store. These included dating apps related to LGBTQ+ and independent media apps, for example, Sibir.Realii. The corporation also removed content from The Insider, Meduza, BBC Russian Service, Kholod and the Ekho Moskvy radio station from its podcast platform.