Apple has removed Russian social media giant’s apps without providing reasons
Apple’s AppStore, without explanations, Monday removed most applications provided by the Russian VK ecosystem, including the country’s largest social networking service, VKontakte.
The timing of US tech giant may not be unrelated to response to the ongoing referenda in Donbass in Ukraine.
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.
