Apple Removes A Top Russian Social Network Vk From Its App Store

According to media reports on September 29, Apple has removed the Russian social app VKontakte (VK) from its App Store around the world. VK, known as the Russian version of Facebook, is the most popular social media platform in Russia. St. Petersburg-based VK said in a statement that some of its apps had been removed from the Apple App Store.

Apple Spokesperson Adam Dema also confirmed the news. He said that this move is related to Putin’s annexation of four regions of Ukraine. These apps are being distributed by majority-owned or majority-controlled by one or more parties sanctioned by the UK. Apple’s actions to comply with these sanctions, including termination of developer accounts associated with these apps. Both Apple and VK confirmed that since the VK app was removed worldwide, the access rights of developers involved were also revoked. Users who have already installed these apps may continue to use them but no longer have access to update apps. Apple’s restrictions are just its latest response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Earlier this year, the company announced it would cease selling Apple products in the country. Additionally, Netflix, Microsoft, and others have introduced their own restrictions on service, access, and product offerings.