Kaspersky, a famous Russian company specializing in antivirus software, has suffered a new setback. Its Android applications have been removed from the Google Play Store, depriving millions of users around the world of access to its services via this platform. This decision comes within the framework of sanctions imposed by the American government, accentuating the difficulties of the company already implicated for its alleged links with the Kremlin.
Users started noticing Kaspersky apps disappearing from the Play Store in late September. A few days later, Google confirmed that it made the decision due to restrictions put in place by the United States Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security. These aim to limit the distribution of Kaspersky products, deemed potentially dangerous to American national security.
Although these restrictions mainly concern the American territory, Google has chosen to extend this measure globally, also closing the Kaspersky developer account on its platform. Users can therefore continue to use already installed applications, but they will no longer be able to update or reinstall them via the Play Store.
Faced with this decision, Kaspersky expressed its incomprehension, describing Google’s approach as an “overinterpretation” of American sanctions. According to the company, the restrictions only concern the distribution of its products in the United States and do not prohibit their use outside this territory. The Russian company deplored the lack of communication upstream and assured that it was studying the implications of this global withdrawal.
For its users, Kaspersky quickly offered alternative solutions, encouraging the download of its applications on platforms such as the Galaxy Store, Huawei AppGallery or even Xiaomi GetApps. APK files are also available directly on the company’s official website for users wishing to continue enjoying its services.
This withdrawal from the Play Store comes against a backdrop of growing distrust towards Kaspersky, particularly due to accusations of cyber espionage weighing on the company. Since 2017, the United States has gradually banned the use of Kaspersky products, first in federal agencies, then more recently nationwide. This distrust has spread to other countries, such as Germany, where similar concerns have been raised.
The tense climate around the company even led Kaspersky to attempt a rebranding of its products in the United States under the name UltraAV. However, this initiative failed to allay fears, and restrictive measures intensified.
With the loss of such an important distribution channel as the Google Play Store, Kaspersky’s future looks increasingly uncertain. If the company continues to offer its services on other platforms, the removal of its applications from one of the largest online stores could have significant consequences for its position in the international market. As Western governments step up sanctions, Kaspersky must now convince that it can offer cybersecurity services without compromising user security.
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