US to Ban Kaspersky Antivirus Software Over Alleged Kremlin Links

In a significant move, the United States has announced plans to ban the sale of antivirus software made by Russian firm Kaspersky due to its alleged ties to the Kremlin. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo revealed the decision on Thursday, citing Moscow's influence over the company as a major risk to US infrastructure and services.

"The US is compelled to take action due to Russia's capacity and intent to collect and weaponize the personal information of Americans," Raimondo stated. The ban means Kaspersky will generally no longer be able to sell its software or provide updates to existing software within the United States.

Kaspersky has vehemently denied any involvement in activities that threaten US security and announced its intention to pursue all legally available options to fight the ban. The company stated, "We do not engage in any activity that endangers US security."

The ban leverages broad powers established by the Trump administration, aimed at restricting transactions between US firms and tech companies from "foreign adversary" nations like Russia and China. The prohibition will come into effect on September 29, preventing software updates, resales, and new licensing of the product, with new business restricted within 30 days of the announcement. Violators, including sellers and resellers, will face fines from the Commerce Department.

Additionally, the Commerce Department will list two Russian and one UK-based unit of Kaspersky for allegedly cooperating with Russian military intelligence. This action marks a continued scrutiny of Kaspersky by US regulators. In 2017, the Department of Homeland Security banned its flagship antivirus product from federal networks over similar concerns.

Headquartered in Moscow, Kaspersky operates in 31 countries, serving over 400 million users and 270,000 corporate clients worldwide. While the number of affected customers in the US remains classified, a Commerce Department official disclosed to Reuters that it includes a significant number of state and local governments, as well as companies providing telecommunications, power, and healthcare services.

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