Apple complies with Russian demands and removes US-funded news app

According to a report by Radio Free Europe/Radio Svoboda, Apple has removed a US-funded Russian-language news app from its Russian App Store following an order from state communications regulator Roskomnadzor. Efforts to contact Apple and Roskomnadzor for comment were unsuccessful. However, Reuters reports that the app remains available on mobile devices.

Since President Vladimir Putin took office, Russia has stepped up its crackdown on opposition media, often branding them as part of a Western information assault following Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This news restriction significantly limits Russian citizens’ access to independent sources, and Moscow often accuses these media outlets of spreading false information.

Radio Liberty journalist Alsa Kurmasheva was previously found guilty of spreading false information about the Russian military, but she was released as a result of a prisoner exchange on August 1. The general director of the organization, Steven Kapus, called Kurmasheva’s conviction absurd. In addition, Apple informed Radio Svoboda that its application will be removed, which will affect the content of the Siberia.Realities and North.Realities projects.

Earlier, Apple also removed 25 virtual private network apps from its Russian App Store, responding to Roskomnadzor’s demands amid Moscow’s broader strategy against online privacy tools. In addition, Apple suspended sales in Russia and limited Apple Pay services after the invasion of Ukraine.

(With data from agencies.)