Mac OS Ken: Apple News and News Related to Apple News

Businesses Suspend Russian Operations in Face of Attack on Ukraine

While Apple has stopped sales of its hardware in Russia, it is far from the only entity suspending operations in protest of the country’s aggression. In addition to Apple, a piece from CNET lists a number of companies that have curtailed or cut off business with Russia and Belarus, which has aided in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Companies listed by CNET include the automakers BMW, Ford, GM and Honda, Disney, Electronic Arts, Google (the search part still works, though ad sales have been stopped), Intel, Microsoft, Netflix (started with a limiting of services before suspending business entirely, according to a piece from Engadget), Nintendo, Paramount, Samsung, Snapchat (the app is live but ad sales in Belarus and Russia ore off), Sony (new film releases are canceled, though - at least over the weekend - PlayStation sales were still live), Universal, and Warner Brothers

Additionally, a piece from Engadget says TikTok has suspended new video uploads and livestreaming in Russia. The piece says that that’s in response to Russia's “recently enacted ‘fake news’ law, which threatens up to 15 years in jail for individuals accused of spreading ‘misinformation’ about [its] military and or government.” Meanwhile, another piece from Engadget says Activision Blizzard and Epic paused game sales in Russia, though it’s unclear whether the in-game purchases that power Fortnite continue. 

And finally (though not finally, I’m sure), moves from Airbnb are both impressive and convoluted. According to CNET:

The room-rental service [Airbnb] has suspended all operations in Russia and Belarus and has said its nonprofit subsidiary will offer free temporary housing to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. It's also waived host and guest fees for bookings in Ukraine, as people worldwide use Airbnb as a way to provide income directly to Ukrainians by, as The Guardian put it, “paying but not staying.” 

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