Apple and Google Remove VPN Apps in India Amid Regulatory Compliance Efforts

Apple and Google have recently removed several Virtual Private Network (VPN) applications from their respective app stores in India. This action follows directives from Indian authorities enforcing regulations that require VPN providers to maintain detailed records of their users, including names, addresses, IP addresses, and usage histories, for a minimum of five years. The regulations aim to prevent anonymous internet usage, enhancing cybersecurity and reducing illegal online activities.

Among the VPN services affected by this removal are Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1, Hide.me, and PrivadoVPN. These applications were popular among users seeking to maintain privacy and access restricted content. The enforcement of these regulations has led to concerns about user privacy and the future availability of such services in the country.

This development mirrors similar actions taken in other countries. For instance, in 2017, Apple removed numerous VPN apps from its App Store in China following government regulations against unauthorized VPN services. More recently, in 2024, Apple complied with Russian authorities' requests to remove VPN applications from its App Store in Russia, affecting services like NordVPN and ProtonVPN. These instances highlight the ongoing global tension between regulatory compliance and user privacy rights.

The removal of VPN apps in India signifies a significant shift in the digital landscape, potentially impacting users' ability to access unrestricted internet content and maintain online anonymity. As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how VPN providers and users will adapt to these regulatory changes.

References:

Moneycontrol: https://www.moneycontrol.com/technology/apple-google-remove-several-vpn-apps-from-app-store-play-store-in-india-here-s-why-article-12903302.html