July 8, 2024 at 02:48AM
On Jul 4, 2024, Apple removed multiple VPN apps from its App Store in Russia, complying with a request from Roskomnadzor. This affected apps from 25 VPN service providers, including NordVPN and Le VPN. These actions have been criticized for supporting censorship, leading some services to offer alternative ways to connect to their servers. This comes as part of broader internet censorship efforts in Russia.
It seems that the main takeaway from the meeting notes is the recent removal of VPN apps from Apple’s App Store in Russia, following a request by Russia’s state communications watchdog Roskomnadzor. The affected VPN service providers include ProtonVPN, Red Shield VPN, NordVPN, and Le VPN, and the move has been criticized by some of these providers as well as by media sources. The action is seen as part of ongoing efforts by Roskomnadzor to control internet access and content within Russia. Additionally, Le VPN has launched an alternative service called Le VPN Give in response to the crackdown. This development is part of a series of censorship moves in Russia following the Russo-Ukrainian war.