Russia Puts Pressure On Google, Apple To Remove LinkedIn From App Stores

By Tiffany Armstrong

Jan 10, 2017 07:43 PM EST

Google and Apple have been caught in the issue between Russia and LinkedIn. The country has blocked access to the Microsoft-owned social network over allegations that it did not follow a law.

In connection with the alleged violation, Russia demanded that the U.S. technology giants Google and Apple remove LinkedIn from their app stores in the country, International Business Times reported. The ban could present a problem to business professionals who have been trying to expand their network using the social network.

Apple said it received the request to delete LinkedIn from Russia in December 2016. Google declined to confirm if it obeyed the request. Android Headlines reported that the app can no longer be downloaded from the Google Play Store following the takedown issue, which means that Google did comply with the takedown notice.

Under Russian law, LinkedIn was supposed to store all data related to Russian citizens within the country. However, it appears that some personal data of Russian citizens got out of the country through leakage. It may not be the fault of LinkedIn because the leaks were reportedly caused by cyber security breaches.

The takedown notice hurt LinkedIn's user base because the ban means that it will lose approximately six million users from Russia. Business professionals who are using LinkedIn to look for job opportunities used to be able to access the LinkedIn website using a virtual private network, but it seems that the government managed to take that down, too.

The compliance of Apple and Google to Russia's request could be a good thing for them because it signals their willingness to work with the Russian government. While LinkedIn was disappointed with the development, there is nothing much they can do except appeal the decision.

LinkedIn recently added three new features that would help employees look for jobs, Jobs & Hire previously reported. Now it appears that those features will no longer be enjoyed by Russian citizens.