Google Play has removed the apps for VK, Odnoklassniki, and the state messenger Max from its online store, according to RIA Novosti and VK's press service. The company did not specify the reasons for the removal.
Days earlier, the European Union imposed sanctions on VK and its subsidiary Communication Platform, which developed Max. The EU's official journal states that VK “provides technical support for the suppression of civil society and the democratic opposition” in Russia.
In late June, the same apps were removed from the App Store. Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service subsequently issued a warning to Apple over “discrimination against Russian search engines” and threatened a fine of 4 billion rubles.
After the sanctions were introduced, VK told RBC that the EU restrictions “do not affect the operation of VK and Max” and that “the apps and services are available to users in their usual mode.” The company also noted that all three apps are available for download on RuStore, Huawei AppGallery, Samsung Galaxy Store, Xiaomi GetApps, and other Android app stores. Already installed versions will continue to work without restrictions.
VK users have begun receiving notifications about the social network's transition from the .com domain to the .ru domain. “This is still the same VKontakte, but faster and more reliable than vk.com,” the notification says.