Russia Leads in App Removal Requests from Apple

According to Apple's 2025 App Store Transparency Report, Russia is the runaway world leader in one category: demanding that Apple remove apps from its App Store. Russia asked Apple to remove 1,213 apps in 2025, many of which were VPN apps designed to circumvent the country's stringent Internet censorship. Vietnam was a distant second, requesting that 335 apps be blocked.

The Russian government is attempting to build a closed, domestic version of the Internet that is friendly to surveillance. While it loves demanding app bans from Apple, it only wants certain apps banned. It does not want popular Russian apps like VKontakte, a social media platform similar to Facebook, or the Max messaging app, which is state-mandated communications software criticized for its invasive surveillance tools.

The Max messaging app, in particular, has been accused of hiding numerous surveillance tools, including a neural network for eavesdropping. The Russian government's actions have significant implications for the country's online freedom and access to information. Why this matters: The Russian government's push for app removals and its efforts to build a closed Internet infrastructure have serious implications for online freedom and access to information.

For developers, this means increased scrutiny and potential restrictions on their apps, particularly those that offer circumvention tools. For businesses, it may lead to limitations on accessing global markets and users. For consumers, it could result in reduced access to information and online services.

The move also raises questions about the future of Internet governance and the role of tech companies in accommodating government demands. As governments around the world increasingly assert their control over the Internet, tech companies will face growing pressure to balance their business interests with their commitment to free speech and online freedom.