Unfolding the Kaspersky saga in the US

The United States' recent decision to prohibit the sale of Kaspersky software and impose penalties on 12 of its executives is a significant development in the intersection of cybersecurity and international relations. This action, which follows years of growing distrust and geopolitical tensions, emphasises the fragile balance between national security and technology innovation. 

Kaspersky was first dealt a blow in 2017 when the Trump administration prohibited federal agencies...

27 June 2024 | Developer

Play Store blocks users in Russia from purchasing or updating paid apps

Google is blocking users in Russia from purchasing or updating paid applications as the fallout continues from the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

The company paused billing for Russian users on 10 March 2022 due to sanctions imposed on the country. That decision impacted new app purchases, as well as in-app purchases and subscription payments.

However, Google has now updated its policy and says that it is “blocking the downloading of paid apps and updates to paid...

6 May 2022 | Android

‘Protestware’ emerges amid Russia-Ukraine crisis

Some open-source developers are using their projects to target users in Russia after the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

The invasion of Ukraine has been almost internationally condemned. The actions of Russian forces are being investigated for numerous war crimes and the targeting of civilians in areas like Mariupol has equated to genocide.

State-controlled media and harsh penalties for protests mean that a large number of Russians believe the Kremlin’s narrative...

21 March 2022 | Open Source