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Apple is once again forced to remove independent news apps from the App Store in Russia.
This is done on the instructions of the Russian media regulator Roskomnadzor. The affected apps include the Russian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), which provides content from regional projects such as Siberia.Realities and North.Realities.
More and more messaging apps are disappearing
Apple had previously removed the apps from the Kyrgyz service and the Russian-language network Current Time. Roskomnadzor justifies the measures by saying that this content comes from organizations whose activities are considered “undesirable” in Russia.
Podcast content also affected
In addition to apps, Apple has also removed or hidden several Russian-language podcasts by independent journalists from its online catalog. Apple was once again faced with the decision of whether to comply with the government’s instructions or to discontinue the entire App Store and podcast service in Russia – and had to give in to avoid having to do the latter.
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What are the implications of Apple removing independent news apps from their App Store for freedom of expression in Russia?
1. Introduction
Interviewer: Hello everyone, welcome to our show today. We are delighted to have two distinguished guests with us, [Guest 1] and [Guest 2], to discuss the recent development involving Apple and their removal of independent news apps from the App Store in Russia. Let’s begin by introducing our guests. [Guest 1], please tell us about yourself and your thoughts on this issue.
[Guest 1]: Thank you for having me. My name is [Guest 1], and I am a digital rights activist working towards ensuring internet freedom and access to information for everyone. I believe this recent move by Apple is concerning, and it goes against the values of openness and accessibility that they have long championed.
[Guest 2]: Hi, my name is [Guest 2], and I’m a tech journalist. I think Apple is facing a tough choice here, as they have to balance their support for free speech and access to information with their business interests in Russia. While I understand their dilemma, I believe they should have taken a stronger stand on this issue.
2. The Removal of Independent News Apps
Interviewer: Thank you both for joining us. Let’s start with the main topic. Apple has removed several independent news apps from the App Store in Russia, including those from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. What are your thoughts on this decision? [Guest 1], you go first.
[Guest 1]: I think this is a shocking move by Apple. It goes against the very foundation of democracy that we are built upon which is freedom of expression and access to information. These apps provide vital news and information to people in Russia, especially those living in regions where traditional media might be limited or biased. By removing them from the App Store, Apple is essentially censoring those voices and helping the Russian government further suppress free expression.
[Guest 2]: I agree with you, [Guest 1]. However, I can also understand Apple’s position. They are an international company with operations in different countries and must abide by local laws. Russia recently labeled these news outlets as “foreign agents,” which could have legal implications for Apple if they didn’t comply. Additionally, Russia is a significant market for Apple, and losing out on that
