Apple is defending its recent decision to remove many virtual private network services from the App Store in China despite criticism by several VPN providers and privacy advocates. The move, in response to government demands, comes as Russia also announced a new VPN ban.

These recent restrictions are enacted as private companies increasingly look for options to protect their confidential information when visiting employees communicate in foreign nations.

When asked about the recent events in China, Peter Micek, an adjunct professor at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, said businesses may want to “consider ways to pressure Apple to push back against the government's demand, rather than banning trustworthy VPN services that they depend on.”