Kaspersky Labs to Cease U.S. Operations After Government Ban

Kaspersky Labs is set to wind down its U.S. operations starting July 20, following a U.S. government ban on the sale of its anti-virus software due to security concerns. The company will eliminate U.S.-based positions and has already halted sales to American consumers.

Kaspersky Labs will gradually wind down its U.S. operations from July 20, the Russian anti-virus software maker announced on Monday, nearly a month after the Biden administration unveiled plans to ban its sales in the country.

Kaspersky has already stopped selling its products to U.S. consumers, citing 'purchase unavailable for U.S. customers.' This move follows a declaration by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo last month that the company posed a security risk due to Russia's influence.

In June, the U.S. government imposed sanctions on Kaspersky's senior leadership, citing cybersecurity threats. The restrictions, which will prohibit software updates, resales, and licensing of Kaspersky products in the U.S., are set to take effect on September 29. New business ventures for Kaspersky in the country have been blocked since the announcement was made on June 20.