AppleInsider is supported by its audience and can earn commissions as an Amazon Associate and Affiliate on qualifying purchases. These partner relationships do not affect our editorial content.
After Apple’s removal of VKontakte from the App StoreRussian regulators say it will hinder communication between its citizens, and are demanding answers.
VKontakte is Russia’s largest social networking app. After removing the app by Apple on September 28Russian regulators in Roskomnadzor have objected to the action, calling it “discriminatory”.
VK, the company behind the app, posted a statement on the matter on Monday, saying other removed apps Mail.ru, VK Music and Youla had been classified. The statement states that the apps will continue to work on compatible devices and have only been removed from the App Store.
Still, users may experience issues with features such as notifications and payments.
Following the takedown, Apple said it was complying with sanctions imposed over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Developers owned or controlled by these sanctioned parties were located outside of Russia and their developer accounts were terminated by Apple for apparently circumventing international sanctions.
Apple customers in all locations will be affected by the decision, not just those in Russia.
As a report of Reuters be aware on WednesdayRoskomnadzor is Russia’s main regulatory body that liaises with US tech giants. It forced Apple to remove an opposition leader’s app from the App Store, which was only reinstated after war broke out in Ukraine.
In 2015, it also forced Apple to host iCloud data generated in Russia, in the country. Roskomnadzor has also caused problems for Telegram, Microsoft, Google and others.
In February, Apple opened its first Headquarters in Russia, and in March everything stopped online sales in the country after the government’s invasion of Ukraine. The sale has not yet resumed.