Apple Removes Radio Liberty App from Russia

Apple has removed the Russian-language news app from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) from the Russian App Store at the request of the state communications regulator Roskomnadzor, citing 'undesirable' content. This action is part of a broader crackdown on independent media by the Russian government, especially amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, which has seen numerous foreign media outlets blacklisted. Despite the app's removal, users in Russia can still access it through alternative means. RFE/RL's president condemned the move as indicative of the Russian government's fear of truthful reporting. This follows Apple’s previous actions, including the removal of VPN applications to limit citizens' ability to bypass censorship. Apple had previously suspended product sales in Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.