Antivirus software from Russia is on the verge of being banished from America.
The administration of President Joe Biden is preparing for an unprecedented step-banning the use of the software of the Russian company Kaspersky Lab by American companies and citizens for reasons of national security, five US officials familiar with the situation told CNN.
CNN sources say that the decision, which could be made as early as this month, involves using the new powers of the US Department of Commerce, based on executive orders from Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
This action will be unprecedented, as previously the ban on the use of Kaspersky Lab software applied only to US government agencies. The purpose of the proposed ban is to reduce risks to critical US infrastructure.
Although the final decision has not yet been announced, the Commerce Department has already made an "initial decision" to ban certain transactions between a Russian company and American individuals, CNN writes.
The draft "initial decision" to ban certain Kaspersky software, which was distributed last year, affected US citizens; but according to a CNN source familiar with the draft, it could have been amended. It is expected to focus primarily on the company's antivirus software.
Kaspersky Lab declined to comment to CNN on the possibility of introducing restrictions and data on the company's share in the US market.
A Commerce Department official declined to comment on any possible future actions regarding Kaspersky products.
For years, U.S. officials have argued that the Russian government could force Kaspersky Lab to hand over data or use its antivirus software to attempt cyberattacks or surveillance of Americans. Kaspersky strongly denies such accusations.
Under U.S. law, a Russian corporation can appeal an "initial conclusion" banning the use of its products or strike a deal with the government that will allay U.S. security concerns before the Commerce Department makes a final decision.
The administration of President Joe Biden is preparing for an unprecedented step-banning the use of the software of the Russian company Kaspersky Lab by American companies and citizens for reasons of national security, five US officials familiar with the situation told CNN.
CNN sources say that the decision, which could be made as early as this month, involves using the new powers of the US Department of Commerce, based on executive orders from Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump.
This action will be unprecedented, as previously the ban on the use of Kaspersky Lab software applied only to US government agencies. The purpose of the proposed ban is to reduce risks to critical US infrastructure.
Although the final decision has not yet been announced, the Commerce Department has already made an "initial decision" to ban certain transactions between a Russian company and American individuals, CNN writes.
The draft "initial decision" to ban certain Kaspersky software, which was distributed last year, affected US citizens; but according to a CNN source familiar with the draft, it could have been amended. It is expected to focus primarily on the company's antivirus software.
Kaspersky Lab declined to comment to CNN on the possibility of introducing restrictions and data on the company's share in the US market.
A Commerce Department official declined to comment on any possible future actions regarding Kaspersky products.
For years, U.S. officials have argued that the Russian government could force Kaspersky Lab to hand over data or use its antivirus software to attempt cyberattacks or surveillance of Americans. Kaspersky strongly denies such accusations.
Under U.S. law, a Russian corporation can appeal an "initial conclusion" banning the use of its products or strike a deal with the government that will allay U.S. security concerns before the Commerce Department makes a final decision.
