Russia's Ministry of Digital Development has asked the antitrust service to check Apple's compliance with Russian legislation. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
The issue concerns the removal of VK applications from the App Store and the failure to comply with direct requirements of Russian law, including the obligation to pre-install a Russian app store on its devices, the agency reported.
"Apple completely ignores the socially important functions of the applications removed from the App Store — applications used to inform, communicate and educate Russian citizens, including warning about emergencies and risks of incidents," the agency reported.
The ministry considers the removal of applications an act of unfair competition related to protecting the interests of foreign platforms.
VK confirmed to RIA Novosti that the apps were removed, stating that Apple acted unilaterally and without warning. They said these actions are "unjustified and unacceptable."
Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov believes the removal of VK apps from the App Store raises questions about the platform's reliability.
The removal of VK services from the App Store represents an arbitrary digital move by Apple. The company deprived millions of Russian users of access to familiar domestic services, IT expert Vladimir Zykov told RIA Novosti.
He noted that Russia needs to develop its own platforms, app stores and devices so that citizens' access to basic digital services does not depend on political decisions made "across the ocean."