Apple has removed a series of apps owned by VK, a Russian technology giant, from its App Store. This coterie included an app called VKontakte that has been downloaded hundreds of millions of times on Apple’s App Store.
A statement by VK states that “some VK applications are blocked by Apple” but that the company will “continue to develop and support iOS applications.”
Russia’s Ministry of Digital Affairs told RT that it’s currently investigating “the reasons for deleting VK applications and developer accounts, underlining the social significance and scale of use of the services provided by the Russian company.”
The same apps developed by VK are currently available on Google Play Store.
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What might have led to this ban?
It appears that Apple’s app ban is inspired by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Russian government has blocked access to many social media apps like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Also read: Simulation Predicts 548 Million People Would Die In Nuclear War Between Russia & NATO
Vkontakte was set up Pavel Durov in 2006. Yes, that’s the same person behind the encrypted messaging app Telegram. Durov was pushed out of the company for his refusal to “cooperate with the authorities,” The Verge reported.
Apple/Insider
Besides VKontakte, many other apps made by VK, including Mail.ru, VK Music, and Youla classifieds have been taken off Apple’s App Store. For people who already have the apps installed, issues with notifications and payments might arise, Russia’s Interfax reported.
Earlier this year, Apple decided to stop selling its products in Russia and also restricted access to many Russian news apps. This came in after sanctions prevented Russians from using Google Pay and Apple Pay.
Reuters
Also read: Did Russia Sabotage Satellite Internet In Ukraine Before The Invasion? Probe Underway
What do you think about this abrupt ban on Russia’s largest social network? Let us know in the comments below. For more in the world of technology and science, keep reading universo virtual.com.
References
Clark, M. (2022b, September 28). Apple removes Russia’s largest social network from the App Store. The Verge. Retrieved September 28, 2022, from https://www.theverge.com/2022/9/27/23375831/vk-russia-apple-app-store-removed-social-media
RT. (n.d.). Apple removes Russian social media giant’s apps — RT Games & Culture. RT International. Retrieved September 28, 2022, from https://www.rt.com/pop-culture/563610-apple-vk-social-media/