Apple has recently come under scrutiny for its decision to remove nearly 100 VPN apps from the Russian App Store, a move that many view as a concession to Russia’s growing internet censorship efforts. According to an investigation by the anti-censorship group GreatFire, Apple has deleted more than 50 VPN apps this summer alone, bringing the total number of VPNs removed in 2023 to almost 100. These virtual private networks, often used to protect users’ privacy and circumvent restrictive national policies, are essential tools for those seeking unrestricted access to the internet in Russia.

GreatFire’s data shows that Russia has experienced the removal of 793 apps in total so far, with VPN apps being a significant portion of the censorship enforcement. While the Russian communications authority, Roskomnadzor, had officially requested the removal of 25 VPN apps, Apple appears to have gone beyond this by removing 98 VPNs in the past year, according to GreatFire’s analysis. These actions mean that Apple has now blocked more than 20% of known VPN apps from being available in Russia, contributing to an increasingly restricted digital environment in the country.

The implications of this move extend far beyond the availability of VPN services. Virtual Private Networks are often used by individuals to access uncensored information, including social media platforms and international news outlets that have been banned in Russia. With the ongoing ban on Facebook and Instagram—platforms that Russian authorities labeled as belonging to a “terrorist” organization—VPNs have become a lifeline for Russians seeking to engage with the outside world. The removal of these tools is likely to tighten Russia’s control over online information, further isolating its citizens from non-government-approved sources.

While there is no outright ban on VPNs in Russia at the moment, the loss of nearly 100 options raises concerns for privacy advocates. With limited access to reliable VPN services, it may become increasingly difficult for Russian users to bypass state-imposed restrictions and gain access to international media, social platforms, or critical news about events such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, YouTube, another vital source of information for many Russians, has seen its speeds throttled to the point where it is almost unusable within the country. This follows Google’s decision to remove Russian channels accused of spreading propaganda and disinformation about the Ukraine war.

Tech companies like Google have also taken steps to limit Russia’s digital access. This year, the company has banned several Russian AdSense accounts and restricted the creation of new Google accounts in the region. U.S. sanctions have further exacerbated this isolation, with services like Wix and Notion blocking Russia-based users, significantly reducing access to online productivity tools and web-hosting platforms.

For the millions of Russians relying on the internet for uncensored news and communication, these combined restrictions—from Apple’s VPN removal to Google’s actions—are alarming. As VPNs are key to bypassing state-controlled narratives, the shrinking number of available options represents a significant blow to internet freedom. Furthermore, these moves set a concerning precedent for tech companies’ compliance with authoritarian governments’ censorship demands.

In a broader context, this development highlights the delicate balance technology companies must navigate when operating in regions with restrictive internet laws. While companies like Apple and Google aim to maintain global market access, their actions, whether voluntary or due to external pressure, have direct consequences on users’ digital rights, especially in countries where free speech and access to information are already under threat.

The continuous narrowing of Russia’s digital space calls into question the future of unrestricted access to information in the country, as more platforms and services come under the control or influence of the state. For privacy advocates and digital rights groups, Apple’s removal of VPNs from the Russian App Store is a troubling indication of the growing erosion of online freedoms in one of the world’s most censored environments.