Due to the company’s purported ties to the Kremlin, the Joe Biden administration in the US announced plans on Thursday, June 20, to prohibit the sale of antivirus software manufactured by Russia’s Kaspersky Lab within the nation.
US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stated at a news conference that Russia had demonstrated its ability and desire to use Russian businesses such as Kaspersky to get and weaponize American citizens’ personal data. Commerce Secretary Raimondo continued, “…and that is why we are compelled to take the action that we are taking today.”
According to a report on Friday, which cited a source, Kaspersky’s antivirus software may be able to install malware and withhold important updates, increasing the threat, or it may be able to steal confidential data from US machines.
Raimondo informed reporters that in addition to the additional limitations on inbound sales, the company will also add three of its units to a list of trade prohibitions. Commencing on September 29, the limitations will prohibit the downloading of software upgrades, reselling, and product licensing.
After the limits are made public, Kaspersky will not be able to do any new business in the US for 30 days. According to the previously cited source, sales of white-labelled products—which include Kaspersky into software sold under a different brand name—will likewise be prohibited.
According to the source, businesses would be notified by the Commerce Department prior to any enforcement action being taken against them.
