The Kremlin has been targeting VPNs as part of a broader crackdown on online speech. We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Russia has closed a loophole that allowed its citizens to pay for Apple digital services. "As of April 1, 2026, payment processing is no longer available for purchases made on the App Store or other Apple Media Services in Russia," the company wrote in a support document (via 9to5Mac). The change affects all Apple services. However, the company says iCloud+ subscribers' data will remain available after their subscriptions end, even after losing premium cloud storage. Customers' previous purchases will still be accessible, as will existing Apple Account funds until they run out. Why is Russia doing this? Well, the (state-aligned) Russian news outlet RBC reported that government officials said it was to prevent users from paying for VPN apps. Earlier this week, Reuters reported that the country has stepped up its attack on the services as part of its "great crackdown" on online information and speech. By mid-January, it had reportedly blocked 70 percent more VPN apps than late last year. With Russia's war with Ukraine now in its fifth year, Pu
Apr 2, 2026 → Apr 2, 2026
The Kremlin has been targeting VPNs as part of a broader crackdown on online speech. We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Russia has closed a loophole that allowed its citizens to pay for Apple digital services. "As of…
Read original at Engadget →1 updates from 1 source.
The Kremlin has been targeting VPNs as part of a broader crackdown on online speech. We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Russia has closed a loophole that allowed its citizens to pay for Apple…
Read original at Engadget →What this story stands on. Tier 0 is a primary record or the subject's own words; higher tiers must be attributed, never stated as bare fact.
The Kremlin has been targeting VPNs as part of a broader crackdown on online speech. We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. Russia has closed a loophole that allowed its citizens to pay for Apple digital services. "As of…
View source →Tier key: T0 = Primary source · T1 = Wire · T2 = Outlet report · T3 = Commentary
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