"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. This change affects all Apple services, but iCloud+ subscribers' data will remain available after their subscriptions end."
"Government officials stated that the closure of payment options was to prevent users from paying for VPN apps. The crackdown on VPNs is part of a broader effort to control online information and speech."
"By mid-January, Russia had reportedly blocked 70 percent more VPN apps than late last year, indicating a significant escalation in efforts to limit access to information."
"Putin's regime appears to be shoring up domestic support by limiting access to information, a common tactic among autocrats, especially amid the ongoing war with Ukraine."
Russia has closed a loophole preventing citizens from paying for Apple digital services, effective April 1, 2026. This change affects all Apple services, but iCloud+ data remains accessible post-subscription. The government aims to prevent payments for VPN apps as part of a broader crackdown on online information and speech. Reports indicate a significant increase in blocked VPN apps, with the regime seeking to limit access to information amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Other measures include blocking WhatsApp and slowing down Telegram.
Read at Engadget
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