35+ Well-Known VPNs Reportedly Removed from Brazilian iOS App Store
Last updated August 22, 2024
- NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, VyprVPN, and more are no longer available in Brazil through the local iOS App Store.
- Apple is most likely acting upon Brazilian orders to remove certain VPN apps.
- Internet users in Brazil still have some excellent options regarding reputable VPNs, but that situation could change overnight.
Update: On August 22, 2024, we provided updates to the following content, as all of the previously listed VPNs are once again available for download in Brazil.
Social media giant X (formerly Twitter) has officially shut down its operations in Brazil following a months-long legal battle with the country’s authorities. The social media network was accused of not doing enough to counter disinformation after being asked to block certain accounts accused of spreading fake news and hate messages.
Even though X has shut down its operations, the app remains available in Brazil. However, this latest development has caused quite a commotion among Internet users, who are now massively turning to VPN providers. As noted by Proton VPN, this free-of-charge provider has registered a 580% increase in the number of sign-ups in the last couple of days.
However, reports were circulating that obtaining a VPN in Brazil became an issue. More precisely, some of the top-rated VPN services were delisted from the Brazilian iOS App Store. These apps were marked as “purchased” when an install was attempted without an option for users to download them onto their iOS/iPadOS devices.
The most notable VPNs affected by this change were Proton VPN, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Kaspersky VPN, TunnelBear, VyprVPN, and more. Security researchers at Top10VPN have created a table with nearly 40 VPN apps blocked on August 19. However, as the researchers noted on August 20, all of the previously listed apps have returned to the Brazilian iOS App Store.
In the meantime, a group of other reputable VPNs remained available for download. These include CyberGhost VPN, Private Internet Access, Windscribe, PureVPN, IPVanish, and others.
Even though it’s not usual for Apple to remove VPNs to comply with censorship, as happened recently in Russia, there’s no official confirmation about the latest events in Brazil. Some speculate that technical issues prevent the Brazilian App Store from working, while others are sure Apple is acting upon Brazilian orders.
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