Apple, the U.S. multinational, has removed nearly a hundred VPN applications in Russia, more than what was officially reported by the Kremlin’s censorship body. VPNs enable Russian citizens to bypass government restrictions on accessing certain websites, including media outlets and social networks. The removal of 98 VPNs, 60 in the last three months, has raised concerns regarding government censorship. Major apps such as CyberGhost VPN and ExpressVPN were silently removed, exceeding Roskomnadzor’s requests.
Despite withdrawals, Apple, Microsoft, and Google’s products are still widely available in Russia through parallel imports. The demand for Apple products, despite higher prices due to sanctions, remains high. The Kremlin’s use of VPNs for its own officials while cracking down on social networks highlights the double standards in place.
The Kremlin’s Use of VPNs and Censored Networks
The Russian government’s ban on certain social networks has not stopped officials from using VPNs to access them. Kremlin propaganda is spread through platforms like Russia Today and social media, despite restrictions. The contradiction in the Kremlin’s approach to social media usage raises concerns about freedom of information in Russia.
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