According to Apple’s 2025 App Store Transparency Report, Russia is the global leader in demanding app removals. In 2025, it requested the removal of 1,213 apps, mostly VPNs that help circumvent Russia’s strict internet censorship. Vietnam was second with a request for only 335 bans.
Russia seems to be aiming for a closed, surveillance-friendly Internet ecosystem. However, its demands are selective: it bans foreign apps but not Russian ones like VKontakte (a version of Facebook) or the creepy state-mandated Max messaging app. While these apps are still available, their functionality is severely hampered by Apple.
In early June, Apple blocked both key applications—Max and VKontakte—in Russia. Existing installations continue to function but receive no push notifications, rendering them less useful. On 25th June, VKontakte was removed from the App Store in Russia. The Russian government has demanded an explanation for this action.
According to the Moscow Times, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the Russian government expects Apple to provide an explanation for the removal of VK apps.
