Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has accused Apple after studies disclosed the removing of a number of VPN and proxy instruments from the Russian App Store. The transfer follows ongoing disruptions to Telegram entry in Russia.
Reports present Apple eliminated a number of functions that assist customized proxy connections. These embrace Streisand, V2Box, v2RayTun, and Happ Proxy Utility. Data from AppleCensorship confirms these apps are not accessible in Russia and China. The removals got here days after Telegram customers reported widespread connectivity points.
Pavel Durov Responds to Apple VPN Removals
Pavel Durov criticized the state of affairs in a public assertion. He acknowledged that the prohibitions are supposed to push customers towards state-controlled platforms. He additionally acknowledged that these actions enhance stress on unbiased communication channels.
Apple simply banned a number of VPN apps from the Russian App Store — concentrating on those who helped customers bypass Russia’s DPI-based censorship. That’s not cool, Apple. https://t.co/Pw9LDQmRSA
— Pavel Durov (@durov) March 31, 2026
Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, confirmed it launched constant restrictions on Telegram. In addition, officers claimed that the measures guarantee compliance with nationwide legal guidelines and defend residents. The company additionally accused Telegram of failing to safeguard private information and handle felony exercise.
Telegram CEO denied such allegations. He defined the restrictions as an effort to impose surveillance by different platforms. He talked about the MAX messaging app, which is supported by the Kremlin, and expressed issues about its surveillance options.
Meanwhile, Russian officers acknowledged they will now prohibit VPN site visitors extra successfully. Lawmaker Andrey Svintsov warned that bypass instruments might not work towards Telegram restrictions.
Apple VPN App Ban Aligns With Broader Enforcement Measures
The removing of VPN instruments follows earlier actions taken in 2024. In the identical yr, Apple is claimed to have eliminated at the very least 60 VPN apps. These providers included NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Proton VPN.
In 2024, the lawmakers launched a legislation regulating the provision of means to bypass web restrictions. This authorized system aids in a broader crackdown of VPN providers. Following this, builders affected by the most recent removals shared Apple’s notices. These notices cited compliance with native legal guidelines. As a consequence, delisted apps will not obtain updates or safety patches.
Telegram CEO Focus Extends as Global Policy Tightens
Telegram customers in Russia have faced major connectivity issues over the previous two weeks. These disruptions adopted bulletins of improved monitoring methods. As entry declined, demand for VPN providers elevated.
Amnezia VPN founder Mazay Banzaev confirmed an increase in new customers as Telegram disruptions intensified. He mentioned detection methods have turn out to be extra exact, whereas some providers nonetheless bypass restrictions. As a consequence, he defined that enforcement techniques have shifted towards broader and extra aggressive blocking strategies.
Meanwhile, there are rising coverage changes in different jurisdictions, as an indication of elevated regulation of the digital system. Canada has introduced Bill C-25 to ban crypto donations throughout political campaigns. The proposal contains events, candidates, and third-party advertisers. It additionally categorizes crypto and cost strategies deemed arduous to hint.
Similarly, the UK has banned crypto donations. The determination was confirmed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer after an unbiased assessment by Philip Rycroft. The report questioned the transparency and possession of crypto transactions.
Under UK laws, illegal donations should be returned by political entities inside 30 days. Negligence by organizations to stick to laws might consequence in regulatory motion.
