Russia orders Apple and Google to remove Important Stories, an investigative media app that works without a VPN — leaving Russians without a key source for accessing uncensored news
Russian authorities have ordered Apple and Google to remove the IStories app, an investigative media platform that provides uncensored news to Russians without requiring a VPN. The app, launched in February 2026, has become a target under a 2024 law criminalizing tools that help bypass internet restrictions. Despite the order, the app remains available for now, but its removal would cut off a vital source of independent journalism in Russia.
- ▪Russian censor Roskomnadzor ordered Apple and Google to remove the IStories app.
- ▪The IStories app works without a VPN, allowing Russians to access independent news despite censorship.
- ▪Apple has previously complied with similar removal requests, including for Radio Free Europe and dozens of VPN apps.
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VPN VPN Privacy & Security Russia orders Apple and Google to remove Important Stories, an investigative media app that works without a VPN — leaving Russians without a key source for accessing uncensored news News By Chiara Castro published 1 May 2026 Important Stories launched the IStories mobile app in February to make sure information would reach Russians despite widespread censorship When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
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