Apple removes Russia’s largest social network from the App Store

[CyberTech]

Content source

https://www.theverge.com/2022/9/27/23375831/vk-russia-apple-app-store-removed-social-media

/ VK says its developer accounts and iOS apps have been removed, though the reasons for why are unclear

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

 

[CyberTech]

Updates

Apple has reinstated the apps made by the Russian technology group VK on the App Store after the company provided proof that it’s not “majority owned or controlled by a sanctioned entity” (via The Guardian). The company removed the VK-owned social network VKontakte, email app Mail.ru, and others last month in response to sanctions the UK put on the financial institutions that own the Russian firm.

“The apps from this developer were removed from the App Store, as required by law, after multiple requests were made to the developer to provide documentation to verify that they were not in violation of UK sanctions,” Apple spokesperson Peter Ajemian said in an emailed statement to The Verge. “Subsequent to the removal, the developer has provided the requisite information verifying that they are not majority owned or controlled by a sanctioned entity. Thus, the apps have been reinstated to the App Store.”

Apple restored Russian social network VKontakte to the App Store

They’re back less than one month after their removal.

www.theverge.com