Russia’s media watchdog has formally requested that Apple and Google remove an independent investigative news outlet’s mobile application from their digital stores, intensifying the government’s ongoing efforts to restrict access to uncensored reporting.
The agency, known as Roskomnadzor, issued directives to the two American technology corporations targeting the app belonging to IStories, a news organization that regularly publishes reports on government misconduct and provides on-the-ground coverage of the conflict in Ukraine.
According to IStories, Apple informed them of the regulator’s demand. A separate notice sent to Google was logged in a public database that tracks content removal requests from authorities worldwide.
In its communications, Roskomnadzor insisted the tech companies compel IStories to delete material allegedly violating Russian regulations, threatening to force the app’s complete removal if the outlet did not comply. Although the precise content in question was not specified, the regulator accused the application of disseminating false information and undermining the country’s social and political stability.
This action strikes at a vital resource for Russian citizens seeking unvarnished news. IStories introduced its app in February 2026 specifically to bypass the widespread website blocking imposed by authorities. The tool works within Russia’s borders without requiring a virtual private network, enabling users to access articles and videos while receiving updates automatically despite state censorship efforts.
In response to the threat, IStories appealed to its followers on social media platform X, encouraging them to obtain the app before the tech companies might comply with the removal request. The outlet emphasized that the service was created to deliver essential news, analysis, and investigations during periods of extensive online restrictions.
This demand represents a continuation of Russia’s broad crackdown on independent journalism and digital liberties. Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, authorities have systematically blocked independent news websites, restricted major social media platforms, and pressured foreign technology firms to limit anti-censorship tools available to Russian users.
There is precedent for compliance with such requests. In late 2024, Apple removed the application for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, known as Svoboda, from its Russian App Store after receiving a similar order. At the time, the regulator justified the action by alleging the app contained material from an organization legally designated as undesirable by the state.