Google has removed the Android security apps of the Russian company Kaspersky from the Play Store. As the tech portal Bleepingcomputer reports, the antivirus software manufacturer’s products have not been available in the official app store for Android devices since last weekend. The removal of the apps not only affects the US market, but applies worldwide.
As a Google spokesperson confirmed to Bleepingcomputer, the reason for the expulsion is the recent sanctions imposed by the US government against Kaspersky. The measure follows a ban imposed in June that prohibits the sale of Kaspersky software on national security grounds.
How does Kaspersky react?
Kaspersky confirmed the problem on its official forum, but criticizes Google’s decision as excessive. The company argues that the US restrictions have no significant legal impact outside the United States. Kaspersky suspects that Google is overinterpreting the US regulations and hopes for further information from the US Department of Commerce.
An employee said the company is reviewing the situation and looking for possible solutions. The goal is to ensure that users can continue to download and update Kaspersky products from the Google Play Store.
Until then, Kaspersky recommends that its customers install the software from alternative app stores such as the Samsung Galaxy Store, Huawei AppGallery or Xiaomi GetApps.
In addition, users can download the applications as APK files directly from the Kaspersky website. The company emphasizes that the range of available products is identical in all stores. What is an APK file? An APK file is an Android app installation package, similar to an EXE file on Windows computers. It is used to manually install Android apps such as programs or games if they are not available through the official Google Play Store.
What are the consequences?
Impact on Customers and Companies
For Android users, the removal of Kaspersky apps from the Play Store means a restriction in their choice of security software. Anyone who does not want to go the cumbersome and much less secure route of manually installing the APK file must now resort to alternative sources in order to use the Russian provider’s products.
For Kaspersky itself, exclusion from the world’s largest app store for Android devices could have significant business consequences.
In the USA, Kaspersky has already drawn consequences from the trade and distribution ban. About two weeks ago, the company automatically switched its US customers to the anti-virus software UltraAV from the manufacturer Pango without prior consultation. It is not known whether similar measures will be taken in other countries.
Sources
- bleepingcomputer.com: ” Google removes Kaspersky’s antivirus software from Play Store ” (English)
- forum.kaspersky.com: ” Is Kaspersky blocked / removed from Google Play? ” (English)
