- Nov 10, 2017
- 3,250
/ VK says its developer accounts and iOS apps have been removed, though the reasons for why are unclear
The rest
VK, the Russian technology conglomerate behind a social network with hundreds of millions of downloads called VKontakte, says that its apps have been removed from Apple’s App Store.
The translated statement says “some VK applications are blocked by Apple” but that it will “continue to develop and support iOS applications.” The Russian Ministry of Digital Affairs told state-controlled media outlet RT that it was 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 apps are still available on Google’s Play Store.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, its government has blocked several American social media sites, including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. The US and other governments have sanctioned many Russian-government-affiliated individuals and businesses, including VK Group CEO and Putin ally Vladimir Kiriyenko. VKontakte was created in 2006 by Pavel Durov, who was eventually pushed out of the company, saying there would be no going back “after I publicly refused to cooperate with the authorities. They can’t stand me.” He then focused on his encrypted messaging app, Telegram.
The rest
Apple removes Russia’s largest social network from the App Store
Its social network is the fifth most popular site in Russia.
www.theverge.com