Apple has recently complied with a request from the Russian government, removing the independent media app “Current Time” from the Russian version of the App Store. The app, run by Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), provides independent news and video content for Russian-speaking users. Apple informed the app’s developer that Russia’s media regulatory agency, Roskomnadzor, claimed the app contained “illegal” content and was associated with an “undesirable” organization.
Current Time is an independent news platform designed to offer reliable and unbiased reporting to users in countries and regions where press freedom is restricted. The platform is funded by the U.S. Agency for Global Media and broadcasts in 23 countries, focusing on delivering independent news to nations with authoritarian regimes or severe information censorship.
This removal is part of the Russian government’s long-standing effort to clamp down on independent media. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the government has increased its control over domestic news and freedom of speech, targeting independent media that do not align with its official propaganda. Earlier, Russia’s Federal Tax Service placed financial pressure on Current Time, threatening it with bankruptcy, which led to the platform’s broadcast services being suspended in Russia. Since then, the app became the sole channel through which Russian viewers could access Current Time’s content. Now, with the app removed from the App Store, Russian users have lost another critical source of independent news.
Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) have operated as independent media organizations funded by the U.S. government, aimed at providing objective reporting to countries with restricted freedom of expression. Since its inception, Current Time has gained significant attention and support in the Russian-speaking world, covering news reports, in-depth investigations, and critical analysis of government policies.
This incident is not merely about the removal of a single app but highlights the growing challenge faced by global tech companies as they navigate differing legal frameworks across countries. In response to criticism over the app’s removal, Apple stated that, as a multinational corporation, it must comply with local laws in each market. In Russia, Roskomnadzor wields significant power, determining what content is “legal” in media and online platforms and has the authority to block any media content that does not align with government standards. While Apple expresses its support for free speech and an open internet, it asserts that it must also adhere to the laws of the countries in which it operates.
As Russia increases its control over media and the internet, many international tech companies find themselves in a difficult position. On one hand, they aim to maintain global business operations and market share; on the other, they must navigate the balance between free speech and compliance with local laws. For users, this means it is becoming increasingly difficult to access independent news and information not controlled by the government.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the government has passed laws and issued administrative orders to progressively block independent media, using national security and social stability as justification. International media outlets, including the BBC and Deutsche Welle, have been forced to withdraw from Russia or limit their services. Apple’s removal of the Current Time app marks an escalation in Russia’s crackdown on foreign media platforms.
Globally, the role of tech companies in managing government regulatory pressure and balancing commercial interests with ethical responsibilities is becoming increasingly significant. As the space for free speech and media independence continues to shrink in certain countries, the actions of tech companies in these markets are becoming more complex and critical.
