

Apple has begun removing VPN apps from the Indian App Store in response to new government regulations that restrict online privacy, prompting serious concerns over user data protection and digital freedom.

Apple Inc. has begun removing VPN applications from its App Store in India, echoing its actions in China several years ago.
This move stems from recently introduced anti-privacy legislation that restricts the anonymous use of VPNs, sparking debate over user privacy and corporate accountability.
The Chinese government has long maintained stringent regulations on internet usage, including a ban on VPN apps that allow users to bypass state surveillance. In 2017, Apple was obliged to remove hundreds of VPN apps from its Chinese App Store — a move CEO Tim Cook described as a reluctant adherence to local laws.
In 2022, India passed a law that effectively bans the anonymous use of VPNs, requiring service providers to collect and retain detailed user data — including names, addresses, and transaction records — for up to five years.
Although the law initially faced resistance and delays in enforcement, recent developments suggest the Indian government is actively implementing these measures.
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Reports indicate that Apple has started the process of removing multiple VPN applications from its Indian App Store, including well-known services such as Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1. The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs has issued directives for these removals, which are being tracked by international organisations monitoring government censorship.
The removals are expected to continue, potentially affecting numerous other apps.
The government’s restrictions have raised serious concerns about user privacy and data protection. Experts warn that the inability to use anonymous VPN services could expose users to increased surveillance and data collection by authorities. This situation mirrors the challenges faced by internet users in China, where comparable restrictions have long been in place.
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Apple is navigating a complex environment as it attempts to balance compliance with local regulations against its commitment to user privacy. The company’s actions in both China and India illustrate a growing global trend of governmental influence over digital privacy.
As these laws are more strictly enforced, it remains to be seen how Apple will reconcile its operational priorities with its stated values regarding user privacy.
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