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Tech giants Microsoft, Apple and Google have decided to suspend some of their services in Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine, which took place last Thursday (24), and has already left hundreds dead and thousands injured, including children, informed the Ukrainian government.
Apple
Apple announced, this Monday (1), the interruption of the sale of its products in Russian territory.
“I am deeply concerned about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We are doing everything we can for our teams and will support local humanitarian efforts. I am thinking of the people who are now in danger and joining all those who cry out for peace,” he said. Apple CEO Tim Cook on his Twitter account
In addition to the sale, other company services like Apple Pay have also been limited and Russian state media apps like RT News and Sputnik News are no longer available for download from the Apple Store outside Russia.
“We have paused all product sales in Russia. Last week, we stopped all exports to our sales channel in the country. Apple Pay and other services were limited. RT News and Sputnik News are no longer available for download on the App Store outside Russia “, the company said in a statement.
Google
On Sunday (27), Google said it had temporarily disabled Google Maps live traffic data in Ukraine. According to the Alphabet company, the decision was taken for the safety of Ukrainians.
Google also announced the discontinuation of monetization of Russian-funded vehicles on its platforms.
“We are actively monitoring developments and will take further action if necessary,” a Google spokesperson said in a statement.
According to G1, the announcement came after YouTube announced that Russian state-funded outlets would not be able to monetize their videos on the platform.
“Our teams have begun to suspend the possibility that some channels will monetize on YouTube, including RT channels worldwide,” a company spokesperson said.
Google also announced on Monday (1) the blocking of YouTube channels linked to the Russia Today TV network and the Sputnik portal.
“Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, we are blocking YouTube channels connected to Russia Today and Sputnik across Europe, effective immediately. (…) Our teams continue to monitor the situation 24 hours a day to take swift action” , says Google Europe’s Twitter post.
Meta
Another technology giant that positioned itself was Meta, owner of Facebook and Instagram. This Sunday (28), the company said that it deactivated a network of fake profiles that spread fake news against Ukraine.
“We are banning Russian state media from running ads or monetizing on our platform anywhere in the world. We are also continuing to apply labels to other Russian state media. These changes have already started to be implemented and will continue over the weekend,” said Nathaniel Gleicher. , head of security policy at Meta.
Microsoft
Microsoft said it detected cyberattacks against Ukraine’s technology infrastructure hours before the country’s invasion.
The company said it has been following the situation closely and has announced initiatives to combat disinformation using its platforms.
Microsoft said it will remove Russian media content from its news apps and app store, as well as reduce the visibility of Russia Today and Sputnik pages on its search engine, Bing.
Another measure taken by the company is the banning of advertisements carried out by Russian state media.