*The American tech giant said it has removed Russian Social Media VK App to comply with UK sanction
IT News Nigeria:
The Apple Store has blocked the app of VK, the leading Russian social media network in order to comply with with UK sanctions on Russia, according to The Verge.
The Verge.
Apple spokesperson Adam Dema is quoted as saying that “these apps are being distributed by developers majority-owned or majority-controlled by one or more parties sanctioned by the UK government.”
“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.”
On Tuesday, VK stated that Apple users could no longer download or update their app and directed them to use their web page instead.
Report said the removal also affected the group’s VK Music, Youla classifieds advertisements board, Domclick real estate platform, and other apps.
“VK will continue to develop and support applications for iOS. Our experts do everything to maintain and continue to improve user comfort,” the company said in a statement, admitting, however, that end-users might experience issues with payments.
Apple has remained silent on the matter and provided no reason for the removal of VK’s apps.
Russia promises response
Russia’s Ministry of Digital Affairs said it has contacted the company with an official inquiry about the removal of the applications.
“The Ministry of Digital Affairs sent a request to Apple Inc about 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 ministry said, adding that after the company answers the inquiry, an unspecified “plan of action” will follow.
