Kaspersky to close UK office. Apps removed from Google Play Store: Report

Kaspersky faces intense scrutiny over alleged ties to the Russian regime [File]
|Photo provided by: Reuters

Russian cybersecurity company Kaspersky has announced it will close its UK office, TechCrunch reported, citing a company spokesperson. The company has fewer than 50 employees in its London office, but dozens are expected to be laid off, and the move comes months after a similar exercise was carried out in the United States.

Kaspersky also confirmed in a blog post that its apps are no longer available on Google Play and that its developer account has been terminated.

“Google’s decision refers to recent U.S. government actions restricting the distribution and sale of Kaspersky Lab products in the United States starting September 29th. These restrictions may have significant legal effects outside the United States. However, Google has unilaterally decided to remove the product from Google Play in advance of September 29 – depriving users around the world of access to industry-leading cybersecurity protections. the company said.

It added that users can obtain the app through other mobile stores while awaiting further guidance from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Kaspersky Lab has faced intense scrutiny over its ties to the Russian regime, but the company refuted the claims.