Apps by Russian conglomerate VK, which includes the Russian version of Facebook, have been removed from the Apple App Store. This does not apply to just Russia as the apps have been removed globally.
The move from the Cupertino tech giant comes after the government of the United Kingdom issues a fresh wave of sanction on Russia. The sanctions are due to sham referendums conducted by Russia in the territories it occupies in Ukraine.
Apple has since confirmed the removal of these apps from the Apple Store. What does this mean, then, for those who have VK's apps downloaded on their Apple devices?
Here is what you have to know about the removal of VK's iOS apps:
Apple Removes VKontakte, Other VK Apps From the App Store Globally
Apple did not just remove the iOS apps belonging to the Russian tech conglomerate. In fact, developer accounts have been shut down as well, according to a report by The Verge.
A spokesperson from Apple, Adam Dema, has confirmed the removal and shut down in a statement. "These apps are being distributed by developers majority-owned or majority-controlled by one or more parties sanctioned by the UK government," says Dema.
The Apple spokesperson has confirmed that Apple is merely complying with the sanctions set by the United Kingdom. It has been pointed out that users who have already downloaded these apps may continue to use them.
However, there is a catch. A report by The Guardian says that users who already have VK's apps in their Apple devices may encounter difficulties as far as notifications and payment are concerned.
VK Reacts to the Removal of Its iOS Apps
Citing a translated statement on the official VK website, the Russian tech conglomerate says that it will continue developing iOS apps despite the removal of their already-existing apps from the App Store. The statement also notes that support for these apps will continue.
The report by The Verge notes that the apps developed by VK are still available in the Google Play Store. The report also states that Russia's Ministry of Digital Affairs is investigating the removal of VK's apps as well as the shutdown of its developer accounts.
The Russian government has previously blocked several social media apps, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Read Also: Russia is Considering Legalizing Software Piracy — Is It a Response to the West's Sanctions?
New UK Sanctions on Russia
More sanctions have been placed by the UK government on Russia following "sham referendums held by Russian authorities in occupied Ukraine to demonstrate consent for annexing the territories," according to The Guardian.
On the receiveing end of these sanctions are Russian state-linked banks Gazprombank and Sberbank, specifically 39 of their executives. The Guardian's report points out that they own under half of VK.
Related Article: Apple Pay and Google Pay Discontinue Services to Russians as Part of US Sanctions
