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India Targets VPN Services, Removes Popular Apps from App Stores

India Targets VPN Services, Removes Popular Apps from App Stores

India has launched a significant crackdown on VPN services, ordering the removal of widely used apps like Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1, Hide.me, and PrivadoVPN from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The Ministry of Home Affairs cited violations of Indian law as the reason for the takedown, marking the first major enforcement of the country’s strict 2022 VPN regulations.

The 2022 regulations, introduced by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), require VPN providers to store user data, including names, IP addresses, and transaction histories, for at least five years. The measures aim to bolster cybersecurity but have faced intense criticism from privacy advocates and VPN companies. Critics argue that the requirements undermine the core privacy guarantees that VPN services offer.

Some VPN providers, such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN, had already removed their physical servers from India in protest against these rules. Although these companies continue to provide virtual servers for Indian users, they maintain that the data retention laws are incompatible with their no-log policies. These policies are essential for safeguarding user privacy, a key selling point for VPN services.

Sebastian Schaub, CEO of Hide.me, expressed concern over the government’s decision, calling it a troubling move for a democracy. He argued that the regulations burden VPN providers, making it impossible for them to operate without compromising their privacy commitments. Apple, Google, and Cloudflare have not yet commented on the takedown orders.

This development reflects a growing global trend of internet restrictions. Similar measures have been implemented in countries like Russia and China, where VPNs are often used to bypass censorship. In 2024, for instance, Russia removed 60 VPN apps from its Apple App Store, highlighting a concerted effort by governments to control online content.

India’s actions come amid broader concerns about its regulatory environment. The Telecommunications (Telecom Cyber Security) Rules, 2024, grant the government expansive powers to collect and share telecom metadata. Privacy experts have warned that these measures could significantly erode digital freedoms in the country.

Despite the app store removals, some VPN providers remain accessible through direct downloads from their official websites. However, as the government intensifies its enforcement of cybersecurity regulations, the availability of VPN services in India remains uncertain. This raises questions about the future of online privacy and access to unrestricted internet services for millions of Indian users.

The crackdown on VPNs underscores a complex balancing act between national security and individual privacy. While the government argues that these measures are essential for cybersecurity, critics warn that they risk stifling innovation and limiting internet freedom. For Indian users, this marks a critical juncture as they seek secure ways to maintain access to the global internet amidst growing restrictions. The developments also highlight the challenges tech companies face navigating regions with strict regulatory frameworks, as they strive to protect user privacy while complying with local laws.

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