Joe Biden Puts A Ban On Kaspersky Software In US Over Russia Ties

The software could steal sensitive information through its access to the computer system

Kaspersky software Edited by Updated: Jun 21, 2024, 5:27 pm
Joe Biden Puts A Ban On Kaspersky Software In US Over Russia Ties

The Biden administration declared their plans to ban Russia’s Kaspersky software sales on account of privacy risk in the United States.

In Washington DC, on Thursday, The Biden administration declared their plans to ban Russia’s Kaspersky software sales on account of privacy risk in the United States. The software was made in Russia’s Kaspersky Lab in the US.  The software could steal sensitive information through its access to the computer system. As per the reports, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said that the company poses a major threat to the  Security of people and would risk their privacy by using it.

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The software might collect information from American Computers or the device gets installed by malware or threat to hack the system to gather information. Reacting to this decision, Kaspersky said that “they believe it was because of the current geopolitical climate and speculations rather than on an evaluation of the credibility of the software. The software activities didn’t be a threat to US national security hence they will be seeking legal help to continue its operations in the US.”

This new rule to restrict the sales of Kaspersky software would also halt the download of software updates along with the ban on the license and resale of the company. Adding to that sales of white-labelled products that integrate the company into software selling on a different brand name will also be banned and before taking action it will notify companies on this matter. Kaspersky has said that it is a self-made company with no ties or partnership with the Russian government and the Russian Embassy hasn’t responded yet in this regard.

According to the reports,  By using “The Sweeping Rule” broad powers made by the administration of former President Donald Trump, will be added with another three units of the company to a ban list of trade restrictions, which would affect the overseas sales of the software company. Earlier, several media organisations alleged Kaspersky Lab that the company was involved in gathering hacking tools from a National Security Agency employee that resulted in enquiry by the Russian government.
The Justice Department can bring a criminal case if someone deliberately violates the ban, but software users will not confront legal penalties but they will be strongly advised to refrain from using the software.
 (With inputs from Reuters)