Apple Cleans House: 190 Apps Snubbed From Russian Store Amid State Pressure; Kaspersky Accounts Gutted
Apple removed 190 apps from the Russian App Store between 2022 and 2024. The removals frequently cite Russian legislation targeting 'undesirable organisations' or 'incitement to terrorism.' Google also disabled developer accounts for Kaspersky after users reported the security apps’ unavailability across regions.
The disagreement centers on who controls the digital sphere. Some argue states have the inherent right to set local digital laws, echoing 'rbn's' point that legislation is sovereign. Others counter that platform freedom demands bypassing store gatekeeping, like 'comrade_twisty' suggests. Meanwhile, the specifics of state control emerged: 'The Insider' noted VK's Max app forces foreigners to submit biometric data using Belarusian or Russian SIM cards.
The clear consensus is that major Western tech giants are rapidly adjusting operations to appease Russian state bodies. The fault line remains between respecting state regulatory mandates versus maintaining digital autonomy against platform lockdown.
Key Points
Apple actively removed 190 applications from its Russian storefront over two years.
Sepia noted the bulk of removals cited Russian laws concerning 'undesirable organisations' or 'incitement to terrorism.'
Google penalized security firms by disabling developer accounts.
W4nd3r3r reported Google removed Kaspersky’s Android security apps after user complaints.
Local state demands require biometric data submission.
The Insider reported VK’s Max app mandates registration with a Belarusian or Russian SIM card for foreigners to use it.
The State possesses the right to regulate digital goods.
rbn argued that a state by definition has the right to craft its own legislation.
Platform gatekeeping impedes user freedom.
Users argue individuals should install apps bypassing official, controlled app stores, as voiced by 'comrade_twisty'.
Source Discussions (3)
This report was synthesized from the following Lemmy discussions, ranked by community score.