Russian antivirus giant Kaspersky Labs has announced its departure from the US following a ban on its software by the Biden administration. Kaspersky described the decision as “sad and difficult,” citing the unviability of business opportunities in the country.
The move follows Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo’s assertion that Moscow’s influence over Kaspersky posed a significant risk to US infrastructure and services. Kaspersky, which has operated in the US for two decades, has denied these allegations.
Starting July 20, 2024, Kaspersky will gradually wind down its US operations and eliminate US-based positions. The firm’s US website has already halted sales of its antivirus and cybersecurity tools, displaying a message that purchases are unavailable for US customers.
The ban, announced last month, prevents Kaspersky from selling its software in the US or providing updates to existing software. Raimondo stated the action was necessary due to Russia’s potential to misuse Americans’ personal information.
The ruling, utilizing powers from the Trump administration, restricts transactions between US firms and technology companies from “foreign adversary” nations, including Russia and China. It bars software updates, resales, and licensing of Kaspersky products from September 29, with new business restricted within 30 days of the announcement. Violators face fines from the Commerce Department.
Kaspersky, headquartered in Moscow, operates in 31 countries and services over 400 million users and 270,000 corporate clients worldwide. The company has stated it will explore “all legally available options” to contest the ban, maintaining it poses no threat to US security.
