Apple has removed the VK application, Russia’s most popular social network, from its App Store. The reason for the decision remains unknown. The move has sparked outrage from the Russian service and Moscow politicians.
The American technology giant’s decision has left millions of Russian users without access to the VK platform via the official iOS app. VK, formerly known as VKontakte, is often called the 'Russian Facebook’ and is a central part of the country’s digital ecosystem.
– Through its actions, Apple is limiting Russian users’ access to popular services used daily by tens of millions of people. Apple’s actions will mean users will no longer receive push notifications about messages and important events – wrote VK in an official statement.
Political accusations from Moscow
Sergei Boyarsky, chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, described the app’s removal as politically motivated.
– This is a deliberate attempt to create inconvenience for an entire country. We are witnessing a company lose its face, becoming a tool of information warfare. Apparently, they cannot forgive us for our digital successes – wrote Boyarsky on the Max platform.
A platform born from isolation
It is worth noting that VK achieved its success partly because its American counterpart, Facebook, is banned in Russia. The parent company Meta is considered 'extremist’ in the country, leaving VK as the dominant social network with tens of millions of daily users.
The removal of the VK app adds to the growing list of tech restrictions affecting Russian users, although Apple has not confirmed any direct link to the ongoing geopolitical tensions. The company has not publicly commented on the specific reasons for the removal.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. Shutterstock
