Apple removes VPN apps at request of Russian authorities, say app makers

Apple removed about 25 VPN apps from the Russian App Store following a Roskomnadzor demand, notifying providers including **Le VPN**, **Red Shield VPN**, **AdGuard**, and **hidemy.name** that their apps violated local law. Providers shared Apple’s letters and criticized the move as aiding Russian internet censorship amid a broader crackdown on VPNs, including a recent ban on VPN advertising. Apple and the Russian Embassy did not comment at the time of reporting.