Apple Removes 'Current Time' App from Russian App Store at Moscow's Request

Apple removes the 'Current Time' app from the Russian App Store at the request of Russia’s media regulator Roskomnadzor, raising concerns over free speech suppression.

Apple Removes 'Current Time' App Following Russian Media Crackdown

Apple has complied with a request from Russia's media regulator, Roskomnadzor, to remove the 'Current Time' app from its Russian version of the App Store. The app, which belongs to the Russian-language television network and digital platform led by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (REL), was taken down due to content deemed illegal by Russian authorities.

In a letter to REL, Apple clarified that the removal followed Roskomnadzor's declaration that the app's content was associated with an "undesirable" organization. This marks another step in Russia’s tightening grip on independent media and the restriction of information that challenges the Kremlin’s narrative.

Media Under Siege: The Struggles of REL and 'Current Time'

Current Time is part of the broader operations of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, an independent media outlet funded by the US Congress through the United States Agency for Global Media. REL broadcasts in 27 languages across 23 countries, primarily focusing on regions where media freedom is heavily restricted.

Russian-language services from REL, such as Radio Svoboda and Current Time, have been facing escalating pressure since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Shortly after the invasion, Russian authorities blocked access to REL websites, further complicating the broadcaster’s operations in the country. The pressure culminated in March 2022, when REL ceased its operations in Russia after being hit with several restrictive measures, including a bankruptcy order from Russia’s Federal Tax Service.

In February 2024, Russia’s Ministry of Justice officially declared REL an "undesirable" organization, effectively outlawing its presence in the country. This designation also led to the removal of REL’s digital platforms from the App Store, as Apple complied with Russian government demands.

Apple's Compliance Sparks Concerns Over Free Speech

Apple’s decision to remove the 'Current Time' app has raised alarm among media watchdogs and human rights advocates. The move comes as part of a wider trend, with Apple having previously removed 25 VPN services from its App Store in July, followed by another 98 in September, also at the request of Roskomnadzor.

Independent media organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and civil society activists have criticized Apple for its compliance with Russian censorship efforts. They argue that Apple’s actions aid in the suppression of free speech, particularly in a country where media freedoms are increasingly under threat.

"By bowing to the demands of authoritarian regimes, tech companies are contributing to the erosion of freedom of information," one civil society advocate said. Calls have grown louder for Apple to refrain from taking steps that violate international human rights standards and to restore the VPN services and media platforms it has removed.

Russia's Broader Crackdown on Media and Information

The removal of the 'Current Time' app is part of Russia’s broader campaign to control the flow of information within its borders. In the wake of the Ukraine invasion, the Kremlin has tightened its grip on independent media, limiting access to information that contradicts the government’s official stance on the war and other sensitive topics.

Since the invasion, Roskomnadzor has been instrumental in blocking websites and media platforms deemed unfriendly to the state. Along with the pressure on REL, Russian authorities have cracked down on numerous other media outlets, forcing some to close and driving others into exile.

As the Russian government continues its campaign to silence independent voices, the removal of the 'Current Time' app serves as yet another reminder of the fragile state of free expression in the country. For Apple, navigating this complex landscape poses significant challenges, as the tech giant must balance regulatory compliance with its commitments to human rights and freedom of information.