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More than half a dozen VPN apps, including Cloudflare’s widely used 1.1.1.1, have been removed from India’s Apple App Store and Google Play Store following intervention from government authorities, according to TechCrunch.
Background on the Regulatory Framework
The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs issued removal orders for the apps, as per a document reviewed by TechCrunch and a disclosure made by Google to Lumen, Harvard University’s database that tracks government takedown requests globally. The affected apps include Hide.me and PrivadoVPN.
In a communication to one of the affected developers, seen by TechCrunch, Apple cited a "demand" from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, part of the Ministry of Home Affairs, which deemed the developer content to contravene Indian law.
The Impact on VPN Providers
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.
The stringent requirements have prompted pushback from major industry players. Leading brands like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN voiced significant reservations about the rules, with several announcing plans to withdraw their server infrastructure from India.
Consequences for Indian Customers
NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark continue to maintain services for Indian customers, though they have stopped marketing their apps in the country. This move has left many wondering about the future of VPN usage in India.
The removal of popular VPN apps from app stores has sparked concerns among users who rely on these services for online security and anonymity. With the government’s strict regulations, it is unclear whether VPN providers will be able to adapt to the new requirements or choose to exit the Indian market altogether.
Industry Reaction
Leading VPN providers have expressed reservations about the rules, citing concerns over user privacy and data protection. The move has also raised questions about the impact on the internet freedom in India.
In a statement, Cloudflare said that it is "working closely with authorities" to address their concerns. However, the company did not provide further details on how it plans to comply with the regulations.
A Look at the 2022 Regulatory Framework
The Indian government introduced the 2022 regulatory framework governing VPN apps in an effort to regulate online activities and ensure national security. The rules aim to prevent the misuse of VPN services for malicious purposes, such as terrorism or cybercrime.
Under the new regulations, VPN providers are required to maintain detailed records of their customers, including names, addresses, IP addresses, and transaction histories, for a period of five years. This information can be shared with authorities upon request.
Consequences for Indian Businesses
The removal of popular VPN apps from app stores has significant implications for Indian businesses that rely on these services for online security and data protection. With the government’s strict regulations, many companies are now forced to choose between complying with the new requirements or withdrawing their server infrastructure from India.
This move has also raised concerns among IT professionals, who argue that the regulations could lead to a decrease in online freedom and an increase in internet censorship in India.
Conclusion
The removal of popular VPN apps from app stores in India marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to regulating online activities. The 2022 regulatory framework governing VPN apps has sparked concerns among users, industry players, and IT professionals alike.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how VPN providers will adapt to the new requirements or choose to exit the Indian market altogether. One thing is certain, however – the future of VPN usage in India hangs in the balance.
