TBNTech
Why VPNs Are Worth Defending
Publication: Deeplinks
Author: Hayley Tsukayama
Source published: 30/10/2026, 20:55:24 UTC
Briefing created: 31/10/2026, 00:23:45 UTC
Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 31/10/2026, 00:20:24 UTC.
Briefings
Russian government officials have repeatedly removed VPN applications from the Apple App Store in 2024 and 2025, citing security concerns. This action follows the 2024 ban on Western social media and the 2025 ban on FaceTime, which expanded state surveillance capabilities. The Russian government added Apple and Microsoft to its state surveillance registry, allowing Roskomnadzor to access user correspondence and turn over data to security services. This crackdown is part of a broader pattern of government attempts to restrict online speech and privacy, affecting users in Russia and potentially other regions facing similar age-gating laws.
Key points
- In 2024, the Russian government banned access to Western social media platforms and blacklisted opposition media sites, leading to the removal of VPN apps from the Apple App Store.
- In 2025, the Russian government banned Apple's FaceTime software, which allowed users to access information banned by their government, further expanding state surveillance capabilities.
Context
The Russian government has expanded its surveillance capabilities by adding Apple and Microsoft to its state surveillance registry, allowing Roskomnadzor to access user correspondence and turn over data to security services. This follows the 2024 ban on Western social media and the 2025 ban on FaceTime, creating a more restrictive environment for online communication and information access.
Limitations
Evidence covers only the Russian government's actions in 2024 and 2025 regarding VPN removals and FaceTime bans. The scope is limited to Russia and does not include other countries or regions where similar government actions are occurring. Some specific dates and names of other affected entities are not fully detailed in the provided evidence.
Generated by Bittrees-hosted qwen35-2b sha256:aaf42c8b7c3c on 31/10/2026, 00:23:45 UTC. Based on publisher-provided feed evidence; may not cover the full original article. Check the source for details.
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