“In protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Avast is stopping all business activities in Russia and Belarus. This means, among other things, that Russia will lose about $ 2.5 million (57.2 million crowns) in taxes on the sale of our products, otherwise this money could theoretically be used to finance the war. And we don’t want that, “Vlček said on Twitter on Friday night.
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In protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Avast is ceasing all business operations in Russia and Belarus.
— Ondrej Vlcek (@AvastVlk) March 10, 2022
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He emphasized that the Czech company is trying to help in Ukraine, where all users can now get Avast’s premium products completely free of charge. The antivirus company thus wants to contribute to the “digital protection of Ukrainian users”.
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Avast and its employees also jointly donate $ 800,000 to humanitarian organizations helping Ukraine, ie more than 18.3 million crowns.
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Avast Free Antivirus
Photo: manufacturer’s archive
Eset also gave a stop sign
The anti-virus company Eset also withdrew from Russia and Belarus this week. “The decision to stop selling new products affects domestic users, companies and large organizations. The sale of products to government institutions was banned in 2016, when the Russian government introduced such legislation and tax and certification rules that favored local suppliers, “said Lucie Mudráková from the Czech branch of Eset.
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Therefore, Eset will keep the previously purchased licenses valid, but after they run out, new people will no longer be able to buy them.
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In addition, Eset created a special fund to support Ukrainian citizens, so far 500 thousand euros (12.6 million crowns) have been invested in it. The money will go to the Integra Foundation and UNICEF.
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The selected amount will probably increase, as the antivirus company also wants to involve volunteers among its employees. “They also have the full support of Eset if they want to volunteer for humanitarian activities. The company provides them with space for these activities within their working hours, “added Mudráková.
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Apple, Eset, Microsoft, Samsung, Dell, Nokia and Panasonic have already withdrawn from Russia due to the outbreak of war in Ukraine.
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