Russian antivirus giant Kaspersky Labs has informed BBC News that it is exiting the US market following the Biden administration’s ban on the sales and distribution of the company’s software.
Kaspersky described the move as a “sad and difficult decision,” citing that “business opportunities in the country are no longer viable.”
This decision follows Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo’s statement last month, asserting that Moscow’s influence over Kaspersky posed a significant risk to US infrastructure and services.
Kaspersky, which had operated in the US for two decades, has denied these allegations.
“Starting from July 20, 2024 Kaspersky will gradually wind down its US operations and eliminate US-based positions,” the firm said in a statement.
Kaspersky Labs’ US website has ceased selling its antivirus and cybersecurity tools, displaying a message that reads “purchase is unavailable for US customers.”
This follows the US ban on the sales and distribution of Kaspersky products.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo explained that the US was compelled to act due to Russia’s “capacity and… intent to collect and weaponise the personal information of Americans.”
“Kaspersky will generally no longer be able to, among other activities, sell its software within the United States or provide updates to software already in use,” the Commerce Department said.
The ruling utilized broad powers established by the Trump administration to ban or restrict transactions between US firms and technology companies from “foreign adversary” nations like Russia and China.
Effective from 29 September, the ruling barred downloads of software updates, resales, and licensing of Kaspersky products.
New business was to be restricted within 30 days of the announcement. Sellers and resellers who violate these restrictions will face fines from the Commerce Department.
The Moscow-headquartered multinational company has offices in 31 countries, servicing more than 400 million users and 270,000 corporate clients in over 200 countries, according to the Commerce Department.
Kaspersky stated its intention to pursue “all legally available options” to challenge the ban and denied any involvement in activities that threatened US security.