Apple Removes CurrentTime App: Russian Government Accuses it of Undesirable Content

Apple Removes CurrentTime App: Russian Government Accuses it of Undesirable ContentApple has removed the CurrentTime app from its Russian App Store, citing undesirable content. CurrentTime is an independent Russian-language media service and website operated by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL)

Apple Removes CurrentTime App: Russian Government Accuses it of Undesirable Content

Apple has removed the CurrentTime app from its Russian App Store, citing undesirable content. CurrentTime is an independent Russian-language media service and website operated by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). The action was taken at the request of Roskomnadzor, Russias media regulatory agency.

According to RFE/RL, Apple informed the developers that the agency claimed the app contained illegal content and materials from undesirable organizations. RFE/RL operates independently and is funded by the US Agency for Global Media. The US Agency for Global Media broadcasts to countries, including about 23, that restrict independent media coverage via radio and television.

CurrentTimes broadcasts had already been suspended in Russia after the Russian government used its Federal Tax Service to threaten the organization with bankruptcy. Broadcasts were, therefore, only accessible through the app which has now been removed. Russia has intensified its crackdown on independent media since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

In response to criticism over the removal, Apple stated that it must operate within the legal framework of the countries where its services are available.

The incident has raised concerns about the Russian governments suppression of free speech. Critics argue that the Russian government is using various methods to silence any voice critical of its policies.

Its worth noting that CurrentTime is not the first media organization to be blocked in Russia. In recent years, the Russian government has increasingly cracked down on independent media, including shutting down websites, arresting journalists, and restricting press freedom.

Many fear that Apples removal of the CurrentTime app will encourage the Russian government to further suppress independent media. They believe that tech companies should resist government censorship, even if it means taking legal risks.

Meanwhile, Apple has stated that it must adhere to local laws. However, some argue that Apple has a responsibility to protect freedom of speech, even if it means challenging government legislation.

This incident highlights the position tech companies occupy in upholding freedom of speech. How they balance compliance with local laws and the protection of free speech will be a crucial issue moving forward.