In a world where access to information is increasingly vital, Russia has taken another significant step to tighten its grip on the internet.
The Russian government has ordered Apple to remove all VPN apps from its App Store, severely limiting citizens’ ability to access restricted content. This move is part of a broader crackdown on internet freedoms in the country, where the government has long been concerned about its population bypassing censorship and accessing unfiltered information.
But what does this mean for internet users in Russia, and why is the government so keen on restricting VPN usage? In this blog post, I’ll break down the latest developments, explain the impact on privacy, and explore why VPNs are crucial for maintaining internet freedom.
The Power of VPNs and Why They’re Under Attack
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a tool that allows users to access the internet securely and privately by routing their connection through a server located in a different country. This process masks the user’s IP address and makes it appear as though they are browsing from another region. VPNs are widely used to bypass geographic restrictions, access blocked content, and protect users’ privacy from surveillance.
In Russia, VPNs have become essential for circumventing the country’s restrictive internet policies. Over the years, the Kremlin has passed laws that allow authorities to block websites, monitor online activity, and limit the content available to its citizens. These moves have been justified under the guise of “protecting national security” or “combating extremism,” but in reality, they have been used to silence dissent and control the narrative.
For many Russians, VPNs provide a lifeline to a free and open internet, allowing them to access news, social media platforms, and other resources that are otherwise censored or restricted. As censorship efforts have intensified, VPN usage in Russia has soared.
Russia’s Ongoing Battle with Apple
In September 2024, Russia escalated its campaign against VPNs by directing Apple to remove all VPN apps from its App Store. This order applies across the Russian Federation, further tightening the government’s control over the digital landscape.
Russia has long been hostile toward VPNs. In 2017, the country introduced a law requiring all VPN providers to block access to websites blacklisted by the government. Since then, Russian authorities have periodically blocked VPN services that did not comply with these regulations. However, forcing Apple to remove VPN apps is one of the most aggressive moves yet, as it directly affects the accessibility of these tools for millions of iPhone and iPad users in Russia.
Apple’s compliance with the order is unsurprising, as the company has previously faced similar situations in other countries. In China, for instance, Apple was forced to remove VPN apps from its App Store to adhere to local regulations. While the company has often been criticised for these decisions, it operates under the principle of complying with local laws in the countries where it does business.
Why Russia is Cracking Down Harder
Russia’s increasing crackdown on VPNs is rooted in its broader efforts to control information within its borders. The government views VPNs as a threat to its ability to regulate what its citizens see and hear online. By using VPNs, individuals can bypass state-imposed blocks on websites that offer independent journalism, opposition voices, and global social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, which are often targeted by the Kremlin.
Additionally, VPNs provide a way for activists and political dissidents to communicate securely, making it harder for the government to monitor their activities. This has become especially critical in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and increasing anti-government protests within Russia.
The Kremlin’s move to suppress VPN access aligns with its larger goal of creating a “sovereign internet.” This initiative, launched in 2019, seeks to isolate the Russian internet from the global web, allowing the government to control and filter content more effectively. In theory, the sovereign internet would allow Russian authorities to switch off connections to the global internet in times of crisis, ensuring that only state-approved content is available domestically.
What’s Next for Russian Internet Users?
With the removal of VPN apps from the App Store, many Russians will find it increasingly difficult to access a free and open internet. However, tech-savvy users might still find ways to sideload VPN apps or use alternative methods to bypass censorship, such as Tor (The Onion Router), a network that anonymises internet traffic.
Nevertheless, the long-term impact of this crackdown will likely be significant. The Russian government’s efforts to limit access to VPNs and other privacy tools signal its determination to stifle dissent and maintain control over the flow of information. This latest move is just one chapter in the ongoing struggle between authoritarian regimes and the fight for digital freedom.
The Broader Implications
Russia’s actions should serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of internet freedoms, even in a world where technology has brought us closer together. As countries like Russia and China tighten their grip on digital spaces, the global community must continue to advocate for internet freedom and support individuals and organisations working to protect privacy and free expression online.
The removal of VPN apps from Apple’s Russian App Store marks a dangerous precedent, showing that even in the age of global tech giants, governments still wield significant power over the internet. As the digital landscape evolves, the fight for an open and unrestricted internet continues.
This latest chapter in Russia’s campaign against VPNs underscores the need for vigilance and innovation in the pursuit of digital freedom. Whether through new technologies or international pressure, it is crucial to ensure that the internet remains a place where information flows freely, beyond the control of any government.
