https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2021/09/apple-and-google-cave-to-putins-censors-block-navalny-app-as-election-begins/

Apple and Google gave a boost to Russian President Vladimir Putin's ruling party by removing a strategic voting app developed by activists who support the jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny. The app, called "Navalny," was kicked off the mobile app stores ahead of this weekend's legislative election as Apple and Google caved to pressure from the Russian government.

"Removing the Navalny app from stores is a shameful act of political censorship. Russia's authoritarian government and propaganda will be thrilled," Ivan Zhdanov, who is director of the Navalny-founded Anti-Corruption Foundation and a politician in the Russia of the Future opposition party, wrote on Twitter. While candidates associated with Navalny are banned from the election, the Navalny app was designed to help voters coalesce around opposition candidates who are on the ballot.