The Biden administration has enacted a broad ban on Kaspersky Labs, prohibiting the Russian software company from selling its antivirus products to US customers. The ban will take effect in July for new customers, and the company will be unable to service existing customers after September.

A source told Reuters prior to the announcement that Kaspersky's ties to the Russian government posed a security threat, with the potential to install malware, gather sensitive information, or withhold software updates on American computers. US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo officially announced the ban today.

Addressing current Kaspersky customers, Raimondo stated, "You have done nothing wrong, and you are not subject to any criminal or civil penalties. However, I strongly encourage you to immediately stop using that software and switch to an alternative to protect yourself, your data, and your family."

Kaspersky has faced cybersecurity concerns repeatedly over the years. In 2022, the Federal Communications Commission listed Kaspersky as a company posing unacceptable security risks. In 2017, its products were banned from use in US federal agencies, and it has also faced scrutiny from UK cybersecurity authorities.

This kind of presidential order to restrict or block access to technology and software from nations considered foreign adversaries dates back to the Trump administration. In 2020, Trump attempted to ban TikTok and WeChat over security concerns related to their Chinese ownership. Although that action was overturned in 2021, it led to a review that culminated in legislation signed by Biden in April, which could force TikTok to find a new owner to continue operating in the US.