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What happened to Kaspersky apps on Google Play?
On October 4, 2024, BleepingComputer reported that Google had removed Kaspersky’s Android security apps from Google Play and disabled the company’s developer accounts. The affected listings included Kaspersky Endpoint Security and VPN & Antivirus by Kaspersky. A Google spokesperson told the publication: “The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security recently announced a variety of restrictions on Kaspersky. As a result, we have removed Kaspersky’s apps from Google Play.” (BleepingComputer, October 4, 2024)
Kaspersky said on October 7 that Google had terminated its developer account and removed all its apps from the store before September 29. The company described the removal as worldwide and argued Google had applied U.S. measures beyond their intended geographic scope. That is Kaspersky’s characterization, not an independent legal finding. (Kaspersky, October 7, 2024)
How the Google Play removal differed from the U.S. restrictions
The two actions should not be confused. Google made a platform decision about what users could download through Google Play. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced a legal determination with a stated U.S. scope.
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On June 20, 2024, BIS announced a Final Determination prohibiting Kaspersky Lab, Inc. from directly or indirectly providing specified antivirus software and cybersecurity products or services in the United States or to U.S. persons. BIS cited the Russian government’s capacity to influence or direct Kaspersky’s operations, the software’s access to sensitive customer information, possible denial of critical updates or installation of malicious software, and risks from third-party integrations. These are the U.S. government’s findings and stated rationale. (BIS, June 20, 2024)
BIS said the determination would not expose existing users to legal penalties, while encouraging individuals and businesses to move to new vendors. It allowed certain operations, including signature and codebase updates, through 12:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on September 29, 2024. Kaspersky separately said it stopped U.S. sales contracts ahead of July 20 and would wind down U.S. operations; it said informational, educational, consulting, and advisory services would remain available in the United States. (BIS, June 20, 2024; Kaspersky, July 18, 2024)
Rank #2
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Google’s worldwide Play removal does not establish that BIS imposed a worldwide legal ban. Nor did BIS’s announcement make possession or continued use by an individual illegal under that determination.
What Android users should do now
Kaspersky’s October 2024 guidance said apps already installed from Google Play would continue to work, receive database updates through Kaspersky’s cloud infrastructure, and retain paid features. It also said users could not update or reinstall those apps directly through Google Play. These were the company’s statements at that time—not a guarantee of present-day operation or identical behavior for every app, device, and country. (Kaspersky, October 7, 2024)
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
- If the app is installed: Check its current status and update guidance in Kaspersky’s official support information for your specific product and country. Do not assume that every feature or update channel is unchanged.
- If you need to install or update: Kaspersky named Galaxy Store, Huawei AppGallery, Xiaomi GetApps, other mobile stores, and its website as alternatives in 2024. Confirm that a listing is official and that it supports your device and region before using it.
- If installing from a downloaded file: Get the installation file only from a verified official source. Android’s installation settings and the support available for the process can differ by operating-system version and phone manufacturer.
- If you manage business devices: Follow the deployment guidance for the exact Kaspersky product and management setup in use. A current indexed Kaspersky enterprise support document says Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Android is not currently available in Google Play and describes managed deployment routes; that status does not establish the availability of every consumer app in every region. (Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Android support)
What the removal means for businesses
BIS encouraged businesses to transition to new vendors, but its announcement did not name or endorse a replacement. An organization evaluating alternatives should compare the products against its actual endpoint-security needs, supported platforms, update and support commitments, deployment requirements, and compliance obligations. Confirm that any proposed product covers the devices and workflows the organization relies on before planning a migration.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Rank #4
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