Apple is removing VPN apps from India’s App Store due to new anti-privacy laws, raising serious concerns about user privacy and data security.
Apple Inc. has started removing VPN apps from its App Store in India, a move reminiscent of its actions in China several years ago.
This decision is driven by recent anti-privacy legislation that restricts anonymous VPN usage, igniting discussions around user privacy and corporate responsibility.
The Chinese government has long enforced strict regulations on internet usage, including a ban on VPN apps that enable users to evade state surveillance. In 2017, Apple was compelled to remove hundreds of VPN apps from its Chinese App Store, a move that CEO Tim Cook described as a reluctant compliance with local laws.
In 2022, India enacted a law that effectively prohibits the anonymous use of VPNs, mandating that service providers collect and retain extensive user data, including names, addresses, and transaction histories for up to five years.
Although the law faced initial resistance and delayed enforcement, recent updates indicate that the Indian government is actively implementing these regulations.
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Reports indicate that Apple has begun the process of removing several VPN applications from its Indian App Store, including prominent services such as Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1. The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs has issued directives for these removals, which are being documented by global organizations tracking government censorship.
The removals are expected to continue, potentially affecting numerous other apps.
The government’s restrictions raise significant concerns regarding user privacy and data security. Experts caution that the inability to use anonymous VPN services may expose users to greater surveillance and data collection by authorities. This scenario parallels the challenges faced by internet users in China, where similar restrictions have been firmly established.
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Apple is navigating a complex landscape as it balances compliance with local laws against its commitment to user privacy. The company’s actions in both China and India reflect a growing trend of governmental control over digital privacy.
As enforcement of these laws intensifies, it remains uncertain how Apple will reconcile its business operations with its core values related to user privacy.
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