On June 20, 2024, the U.S. government decided to ban Kaspersky antivirus software, claiming it poses a risk to national security.

Kaspersky is a world-renowned cybersecurity company based in Russia, who provide the world's top rated antivirus software. This means everyone in the U.S. will no longer be allowed to use this software, effective September 29, 2024. After this date, the sale of new subscriptions in the U.S. will be prohibited, and existing U.S. customers will no longer receive updates for the software. Instead, Kaspersky will be replaced by an alternative software called Ultra AV. This replacement software has tested poorly with cybersecurity experts, and offers nowhere near the same level of security as Kaspersky.

For many Kaspersky customers who have spent hundreds, or in the case of larger-scale customers, even thousands of dollars on their antivirus subscription, this comes as a slap to the face. Those who paid for a Kaspersky subscription, paid for peace of mind, knowing they were getting one of the most trusted and effective cybersecurity solutions available.

Kaspersky has a user-base of over 400 million, with just over 40% of users located in the U.S. That's over 150 million! That means 150+ million U.S. citizens are being deprived of one of the most effective antivirus programs in existence!

My message to the U.S. government is this: If you're concerned that Kaspersky poses a risk to national security, you could simply ban it on government computer systems. But don't deprive the rest of us.

If you were a Kaspersky user, and you're unhappy with this decision by the U.S. government, please sign this petition. And even if you're not a Kaspersky user, please consider what you've just read, and support this if you agree.