VPN removal by Apple and Google: analysis and developer tips
James
2026-08-04
Read time
2 minutes
In Russia, the mass removal of VPN applications from official stores, initiated by the state regulator, continues. Between 2022 and 2025, the number of blocked programs in the App Store grew hundreds of times over: while in 2022 only 7 services fell under restrictions, in 2025 this number reached 1213. One prominent example was the Happ client, which was first removed in June 2026, but returned to the store under a modified name just a few days later.
Differences in Apple and Google Approaches
The process of removing applications in Apple and Google is structured completely differently. Apple blocks programs in the Russian region out of court based on regulator requests, citing the need to comply with local laws to maintain its market presence. Google, on the other hand, requires legal proceedings, which is why the actual percentage of removals from Google Play remains extremely low despite thousands of requests submitted by the regulator. For instance, in February 2026, a court fined Google 22.8 million rubles for distributing forbidden tools, but this did not trigger mass removals.
International Experience with Restrictions
Pressure on app stores is not unique to Russia. In China, a strict ban on VPN services in the App Store has been in place since 2017. In India, in the autumn of 2024, the authorities also ordered tech giants to remove several popular services, including Hide.me and Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, because providers refused to comply with new directives to store users' personal data for five years.
Recommendations and Risks for Developers
Software creators are forced to seek alternative distribution channels. For iOS developers, temporary solutions may include using the TestFlight platform, distributing via enterprise profiles, or creating web configurations that do not use standard system extensions. On Android, it is recommended to duplicate channels in the console, use remote activation of bypass features after installation, or publish direct APK files with signature verification capabilities.
However, leaving official stores poses serious security threats to end-users. In conditions of scarce reliable software, scammers have become more active, masking malicious software as circumvention tools. For instance, in May 2026, experts discovered a banking trojan distributed under the guise of a free network utility that stole personal data and intercepted messages.
With the HiroVPN service, users are securely protected from such security risks and can freely bypass any network restrictions.
