Russian GPlay users can no longer download previously paid-for apps as of 5 May
support.google.com
support.google.com
> Due to payment system disruption, Google Play has paused its billing system for users in Russia as of March 10, 2022. This means users cannot purchase apps and games, make subscription payments or conduct any in-app purchases of digital goods using Google Play in Russia. Free apps will remain available on the Play Store.
>As part of our compliance efforts, Google Play is blocking the downloading of paid apps and updates to paid apps in Russia starting May 5, 2022.
>The situation is rapidly evolving and we encourage you to return to this page for the latest information. Below we have addressed some additional questions developers might have and will continue to keep them updated.
>Frequently Asked Questions >>Can users still download free apps and games from Google Play? >>>Yes, users in Russia will still be able to download free apps and games from the Google Play store.
>>Can users still access apps and games that have already been downloaded or purchased? >>>Yes.
I believe Google forgot to update their FAQ. Halfway through April, before the notice was added, the FAQ was exactly the same [1]. Now, the notice has been extended to say you can't download paid apps [2].
[1]: http://web.archive.org/web/20220414120749/https://support.go...
[2]: http://web.archive.org/web/20220506145032/https://support.go...
May be India/Middle-Eastern countries might but still there is so much inter-dependency everywhere - no one dares to annoy other.
There are lots of executives, politicians across EU/US living + having family in either places. So unlikely.
Besides, having big dependencies makes a country vulnerable to pressure and weak in negotiation. In the long term, not having a plausible alternative is just being dumb on this scale.
Also there is China appearing as a new superpower, there is the climate change that will cause political instability. Things are going to get rough for the Pax Americana in the next decades.
It serves as a stark reminder that you should make backups of apps you've bought and that depending on a single application store is very risky.
If only the idealistic borderless free Internet were more of a reality.
Google ACTUALLY says: "users cannot purchase apps and games" and "Can users still access apps and games that have already been downloaded or purchased? ... Yes."
And about "the man" putting the finger on "the little guy", laws and government exist for generally good reasons. Are you arguing for anarchy? There are legitimate arguments ....
I think, since people still murder people IRL, that the "internet === reality" goal is not even close to being a thing.
http://web.archive.org/web/20220414120749/https://support.go...
http://web.archive.org/web/20220506145032/https://support.go...
They've added a statement that says "As part of our compliance efforts, Google Play is blocking the downloading of paid apps and updates to paid apps in Russia starting May 5, 2022." but they haven't updated the FAQ that follows.