Government Crackdown on VPN Services
More than a dozen VPN apps, including Cloudflare’s widely used 1.1.1.1 service, have been removed from India’s Apple App Store and Google Play Store following intervention from government authorities. According to documents reviewed by TechCrunch and disclosures made by Google to Lumen, Harvard University’s database tracking global government takedown requests, the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs issued removal orders for the apps.
Affected Apps and Developers
Among the affected VPN services are Hide.me and PrivadoVPN. In a communication sent to one of the affected developers, seen by TechCrunch, Apple cited a "demand" from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (ICCC), part of the Ministry of Home Affairs, stating that the developer’s content contravened Indian law.
Government Regulations and Industry Pushback
This enforcement action marks the first significant implementation of India’s 2022 regulatory framework governing VPN apps. The rules mandate that VPN providers and cloud service operators maintain comprehensive records of their customers, including names, addresses, IP addresses, and transaction histories, for a five-year period. This stringent requirement has prompted pushback from major industry players.
Industry Reactions
Leading brands like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN have voiced significant reservations about the rules, with several announcing plans to withdraw their server infrastructure from India. However, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark continue to maintain services for Indian customers, though they have stopped marketing their apps in the country.
Indian Regulatory Framework
The 2022 regulatory framework governing VPN apps is a significant development in India’s digital landscape. The rules aim to curb online crime and ensure national security by requiring VPN providers to maintain detailed records of their customers. However, industry experts argue that this move will compromise user privacy and may drive VPN services underground.
Industry-Wide Implications
The removal of these popular VPN apps from Indian app stores raises concerns about the impact on users’ online security and freedom. As more VPN services consider withdrawing from India, it remains to be seen how this development will affect the global VPN market.
What’s Next?
As the situation unfolds, TechCrunch will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on the status of these popular VPN apps in India.
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List of Affected VPN Apps
The following popular VPN apps have been removed from India’s Apple App Store and Google Play Store:
- Cloudflare 1.1.1.1
- Hide.me
- PrivadoVPN
Government Regulations on VPN Services in India
India’s regulatory framework governing VPN services mandates that providers maintain comprehensive records of their customers, including names, addresses, IP addresses, and transaction histories, for a five-year period.
Industry Reactions to Government Regulations
Major industry players like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN have voiced significant reservations about the rules, with several announcing plans to withdraw their server infrastructure from India.
Implications of Removing Popular VPN Apps in India
The removal of these popular VPN apps from Indian app stores raises concerns about the impact on users’ online security and freedom.
