Russian Digital Development Ministry requests FAS check Apple's compliance with antitrust legislation following VK apps' removal from App Store

MOSCOW. June 25 (Interfax) - Apple's removal of VK apps from the App Store is a manifestation of unfair competition, and the Russian Digital Development Ministry has appealed to the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) for prompt consideration of the U.S. IT giant's compliance with the requirements of Russian antitrust legislation, the ministry said.

"We believe that the removal of applications is a manifestation of unfair competition and is linked to the protection of the interests of foreign platforms that are being displaced by Russian applications. At the same time, the company itself does not comply with the direct legal requirements regarding implementation of the choice-of-default search engine window and the pre-installation of the Russian app store on its devices," the ministry's press service said.

"The Digital Development Ministry has asked the FAS to promptly consider these facts," it said.