IT security expert Kaspersky's headquarters in Moscow: Google has banned the provider's apps from the Play Store.Image: trapezoid
Google is removing apps from Russian software maker Kaspersky from the Play Store. Android users will have to look for alternative solutions.
Marcel Hozenek/t-online
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Google has removed Russian company Kaspersky's Android security app from the Play Store. The antivirus software maker's products are no longer available in the official app store for Android devices since last weekend, tech portal Bleepingcomputer reported. The removal of these apps does not only affect the US market but also the global market.
As a Google spokesperson confirmed to Bleepingcomputer, the reason for the expulsion was the U.S. government's recent sanctions against Kaspersky. The measure follows a ban in June on the sale of Kaspersky software on national security grounds.
How did Kaspersky react?
Kaspersky confirmed the issue on its official forum but criticized Google's decision as going too far. The company argued that the U.S. restrictions would not have significant legal implications outside the United States. Kaspersky suspects Google is over-interpreting U.S. guidance and wants further information from the Commerce Department.
An employee said the company is reviewing the situation and looking for possible solutions. The aim is to allow users to continue to be able to download and update Kaspersky products from the Google Play Store.
Until then, Kaspersky advises its customers to install the software from alternative app stores such as Samsung Galaxy Store, Huawei AppGallery or Xiaomi GetApps.
Users can also download applications as APK files directly from the Kaspersky website. The company stressed that the range of products offered in all stores is the same.
What is an APK file?
APK files are installation packages for Android applications, similar to EXE files on Windows computers. If Android apps like programs or games are not available through the official Google Play Store, you will need it to install these apps manually.
What are the consequences?
Impact on customers and company
For Android users, the removal of the Kaspersky app from the Play Store means their options for security software are limited. If you don't want to take the tedious and significantly less secure route of manually installing APK files, you now have to turn to other sources to use the Russian provider's products.
For Kaspersky itself, being excluded from the world's largest app store for Android devices could have significant business consequences.
In the United States, Kaspersky has concluded from trade and distribution bans. About two weeks ago, the company automatically switched its U.S. customers to manufacturer Pango's antivirus software UltraAV without prior consultation. It is unclear whether other countries will take similar measures.
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(t-online/dsc)
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