Apple says it’s removing RFE/RL apps from Russian App Store at Moscow’s demand

Apple notified Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) on Friday that it will remove all of the broadcaster’s apps from the Russian App Store in response to a demand from Russia’s federal censor, Roskomnadzor.

In its letter to the U.S.-funded agency, Apple said it’s deleting the apps because they “contain content that is illegal in Russia and that doesn’t comply with app review guidelines,” RFE/RL said. The statement also reportedly noted that the apps contain materials from organizations declared “undesirable” by the Russian authorities.

As of Thursday, all of the broadcaster’s apps except one were still available on the Russian App Store.

RFE/RL is an independent U.S. media corporation funded by a U.S. Congressional grant through the U.S. Agency for Global Media. The corporation operates in 23 countries and works primarily in places where media freedom is restricted.

After the start of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the Russian authorities blocked all RFE/RL projects along with numerous other independent media outlets, including Meduza. In February 2024, the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office declared RFE/RL an “undesirable organization,” banning its activities across the country.

Smartphone apps are one of the easiest remaining ways for people in Russia to access independent journalism amid the Kremlin’s crackdown on the press. Meduza's app, which currently remains on the Russian App Store, still works in Russia without a VPN.