Google Play Store Users In Russia Are Not Allowed To Download And Update Paid Apps

JAKARTA - Google has gone a step further, now the company is preventing Russian citizens from downloading and updating apps they previously purchased on the Play Store.

"As part of our compliance efforts, Google Play is blocking downloads and updates for paid apps in Russia from 5 May 2022," Google said in a statement.

However, developers in Russia can still publish and update free apps, and users are still allowed to download them from the online store.

However, all updates for paid apps will be blocked automatically for compliance reasons according to the new changes.

The move is the next step in a crackdown on paid content and severing financial ties with the country.

Citing Android Police, Tuesday, May 10, users who have previously purchased a paid app and don't currently have it installed on their device will also not be able to download it again.

It's possible that the decision wasn't easy for Google, and the company was forced to take this step because of the sanctions imposed on Russia.

Earlier on March 10, Google announced that it was pausing Google Play's billing system in Russia due to disruptions in the payment system, and many companies withdrew from the country.

At the time, the tech giant asked developers to create important paid apps for free to ensure the uninterrupted and necessary continuity of services.