Russian authorities have told both Apple and Google to remove Microsoft’s LinkedIn app from their App Stores (via The New York Times). This comes as an unexpected move, as both Apple and Google support the open internet, however, they’ve now been required to remove what is seen as an acceptable app from their stores.
The LinkedIn app is no longer available to download from either Google’s Play Store or Apple’s App Store in Russia.
A court recently blocked Microsoft’s professional social network as it stores Russian user data outside of Russia. According to local Russian laws, internet companies must store Russian citizen data inside the nation, not outside. This led to the blocking of the website, and now, the removal of the app from 2 of the most popular mobile platforms.
Neither Microsoft or Russian authorities have commented on the move to remove the app.