Apple, Microsoft and other tech companies halt sales in Russia

This story is part of war in ukraineCNET’s coverage of events there and of the broader impacts on the world.

Such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine Continuing, many companies said they would stop selling products and services in the country. This can make it difficult to get everything from video games to iPhones in Russia.

Both Apple and Microsoft said this week that they would stop selling products in Russia. Game maker EA said it will stop selling games and other digital items while the conflict continues. Other online services, such as Airbnb, are suspending operations in Russia.

Tech companies have also responded in other ways, including cracking down on misinformation and reducing the online presence of Russian state-owned media Such as RT News and Sputnik News. Google and Twitter suspended advertising in Russia.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 after months of heightened tension, marked by angry speeches from Russian President Vladimir Putin and a build-up of Russian forces along Ukraine’s borders. The United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom have imposed economic sanctions on Russia, including those directly targeting Putin.

Ukraine, which was part of the Soviet Union for much of the 20th century, declared its independence in 1991. Since then, the country has forged closer ties with Western Europe and the United States.

Here is a look at some of the companies that have halted sales or other services in Russia:

an Apple: tech giant She stopped selling her products In Russia it stops online transactions, including restricting Apple Pay in the country. In addition, some features of Apple Maps have been disabled in Ukraine to protect civilians.

Microsoft: Windows Maker has Suspension of sales of their products and services in Russia, with a pledge to strengthen cybersecurity in Ukraine.

Google: Although users in Russia can still use the Google search engine, the company has just that Suspended her advertising activity in the country. This includes advertising revenue from YouTube, search, and all other forms of marketing sponsored by Google. Some Google Maps Features It is also disabled, although provided by Google Information on refugee resources For people fleeing Ukraine.

Samsung: Samsung is suspending shipments to Russia from Friday. “Due to the current geopolitical developments, shipments to Russia have been suspended,” a Samsung spokesperson said. “We continue to actively monitor this complex situation to determine our next steps.”

Tik Tok: Short video app TikTok has suspended live broadcasts and new content on its video service in Russia. On Sunday, the company said the decision was based on Russia’s newly passed “fake news” law, saying it needed to review the security implications of the new legislation, which punishes those who spread “false information” about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with prison terms. Up to 15 years in prison

snap chat: Temporary message app contains All advertising sales stopped To Russian and Belarusian entities, although the application is still available throughout the region as a communication tool.

Airbnb: The room rental service has suspended all operations in Russia and Belarus and said its non-profit subsidiary will do so Offer free temporary housing to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. it’s also Host and guest fee waiver For bookings in Ukraine, people around the world are using Airbnb as a way to provide income directly to Ukrainians, as the Guardian said, “Pay but don’t stay. “

Disney: The entertainment company stopped everything theatrical releases In Russia, including the upcoming Pixar movie Turning Red.

Sony: The company’s film studio has stopped upcoming theatrical productions in Russia. But so far, the PlayStation 5, Sony’s popular gaming console, is still on sale. come this Despite the increasing pressure For the company to stop selling its gaming system in the country.

Warner Bros.: movie studio Batman will not be released In Russia as scheduled and operations in the country will be paused instead.

Basic: Like the other movie studios on this list, Paramount will stop theatrical releases In Russia. This includes the upcoming Lost City, as well as a sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog.

worldwide: Film studio will also Postings suspended in Russiaalthough it has not yet announced the specific films that will be withheld.

Nintendo: The video game company has created it now Russian online store is in maintenance mode, which means that it is not available for Russian users. As of now, Russian players are prohibited from purchasing new games through the service.

Electronic Arts: The maker of famous video games, including the FIFA franchise, Stop selling all content in Russia and Belarus. This includes games, additional content, and virtual currencies. In addition, EA has removed Russian national teams from all versions of its football and hockey video games.

Intel Corporation: Owns a technology company All shipments suspended For customers in Russia and Belarus, including chips.

Netflix: Giant running has All projects and acquisitions are paused In Russia. Additionally, Netflix has refused to add state-run channels to its Russian service.

BMW, Ford, General Motors, Honda: Many car manufacturers have They reduced their operations in Russia. BMW will stop domestic production in Kaliningrad and stop exports to Russia. Ford suspends operations in Russia “effective immediately, until further notice”. General Motors suspends its business in Russia. Honda halted exports there.