Russia has taken out all iOS apps from VK – Russia’s second largest tech company. The VergeReports. This includes VK, the social media app that is fifth most used in Russia, as well as other apps like Mail.ru or VK Music. This was done in response to UK sanctions on the Russian government.
VK stated that Apple has blocked some VK apps, so they aren’t available for download or update in the App store,” according to a Google translation. Press release. “Their core functionality is familiar and stable.” [but]There may be issues with payments and notifications. VK will continue to support and develop iOS applications.”
These apps are distributed by developers who are majority-owned by or controlled by one or more of the parties sanctioned under the UK government. Apple has terminated developer accounts associated to these apps in order to comply. The apps can no longer be downloaded from any App store, regardless of where they are located.
Apple confirmed the removal of the apps and closed down VK’s developer accounts. A spokesperson said that these apps were distributed by developers majority-owned by or majority-controlled, by one or several parties sanctioned and approved by the UK government. The Verge. Apple ended the developer accounts associated these apps. These apps are now inaccessible from all App Stores, regardless where they were downloaded. These apps can still be downloaded by users who have previously downloaded them.”
The UK government released this statement earlier in the week. Sanctions imposedRussian oligarchs and the sham referendumsLocated in Ukraine. Gazprombank, which is a Russian bank linked to VK, is included on the list. “Today’s sanctions will target those behind these sham votes, as well as the individuals that continue to prop up the Russian regime’s war of aggression,” said UK foreign secretary James Cleverly in a Statement.
The Ministry of Digital Affairs in Russia told RT, the state media websiteIt is investigating the reason for the removal. The apps are still available on Google Play — Engadget has reached out to Google to see if it plans to follow Apple’s lead.
Apple has stopped selling all of its products in Russia since the Ukraine invasion. Apple also restricted Apple Pay and pulled apps form outlets like RT, Sputnik, and RT. In response to the invasion of Ukraine, a Russian law was passed that required Samsung, Apple, as well as other manufacturers, to pre-install Russian applications like Yandex and VK onto all devices.
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