14 DAY TRIAL // Russian developers have a hard time keeping their software available for users worldwide, as the sanctions announced by tech giants following the military invasion of Ukraine are keeping them outside of the main app stores.
This week, Apple banned the iOS apps developed by VK as well, so they are no longer available for download from the App Store.
VKontakte is currently the number one social network in Russia, with the parent company confirming, as per The Verge, that its apps have been blocked by the Cupertino-based tech giants.
Apple says it’s all because of UK sanctions against VK
In a statement for the cited source, Apple explains that the ban takes place following new sanctions announced by the United Kingdom.
“These apps are being distributed by developers majority-owned or majority-controlled by one or more parties sanctioned by the UK government,” Apple spokesperson Adam Dema was quoted as saying. “In order to comply with these sanctions, Apple terminated the developer accounts associated with these apps, and the apps cannot be downloaded from any App Store, regardless of location. Users who have already downloaded these apps may continue to use them.”
The ban isn’t necessarily surprising, especially as Russia has been hit with major sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine. In fact, even VK Group’s CEO has been sanctioned, with Russia responding with a series of bans of its own, including of Instagram and Twitter.
At this point, however, it’s not yet known if VK can do anything to return to the App Store, but on the other hand, the apps will continue to run normally on devices where they are already installed. However, given they have been pulled from the store, no new downloads can take place until the apps are allowed once again to be listed for download.