The Apple logo is shown in this illustration, captured on August 22, 2022. Reuters
Apple has recently removed a Russian-language news app funded by the U.S.-based Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) from the Russian App Store. This action was taken at the request of Roskomnadzor, Russia’s state communications regulator. The news outlet confirmed the removal on Friday. Both Apple and Roskomnadzor have yet to provide an official response to requests for comments.
Despite the app's removal, Reuters journalists in Russia were still able to access it on their mobile devices. This suggests that while the app is no longer available for new users, it may still be accessible under certain conditions. However, the move is part of a larger trend of restrictions in Russia, where independent media outlets are facing increasing censorship.
The Russian government, led by President Vladimir Putin, has been steadily tightening its control over the flow of information. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, authorities have placed many opposition media outlets on a blacklist and imposed bans on foreign social media platforms. Moscow has framed these actions as a defense against what it calls an information war waged by the West. As part of this effort, the government often accuses blocked websites of spreading "false information" about the Russian government, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
RFE/RL has faced significant challenges in Russia, with several of its journalists targeted by the government. One such journalist, Alsu Kurmasheva, was found guilty in Russia of spreading false information about the Russian military. She was later released in a prisoner swap with the West in August 2023. RFE/RL’s CEO, Stephen Capus, described her trial and conviction as a “mockery of justice,” highlighting the difficult situation for independent journalists in Russia.
The app that Apple removed, known as the Svoboda app (which means "freedom" in Russian), featured content from RFE/RL’s Siberia.Realities and North.Realities projects. These projects provide independent news and reporting on issues important to Russian-speaking audiences. The removal of the app was a blow to those seeking access to such news sources, which are increasingly scarce in Russia due to government crackdowns on independent journalism.
This is not the first time Apple has faced pressure from the Russian government. Earlier in 2023, Apple removed 25 virtual private network (VPN) applications from its Russian App Store. These VPNs are often used to bypass censorship and access blocked websites. The Russian government has made it clear that it is intent on controlling the flow of information within the country, and Apple’s actions seem to be in response to this pressure.
In addition to these app removals, Apple paused all product sales in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. The company also restricted its Apple Pay service in the country, which was another move in response to international sanctions and the increasingly difficult business environment in Russia. These actions reflect the ongoing tension between global companies like Apple and the Russian government's policies on information control and media censorship.
