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Australia Bans Russian Kaspersky Software
Above: In this photo illustration, a Kaspersky logo is displayed on a smartphone with the world Banned in the background. Image copyright: Avishek Das/Contributor/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Australia has rightfully joined its Western neighbors in blocking this dangerous Russian company. Kaspersky’s deep access to systems, paired with its Moscow roots and likely Kremlin ties, makes it a prime espionage tool. More countries should follow suit not only in government bans but also sanctions on executives. If Russia is a clear threat to government systems, its malware protection software certainly is, too.
Establishment-critical narrative
Despite anti-Russia propaganda from Western governments, Kaspersky’s top-tier antivirus prowess endures, thwarting cyber threats for over a decade. Despite the US Treasury Department's ban last year, Americans are defying their government to keep using their preferred software. There's no hard evidence linking Kaspersky to Russian espionage, only geopolitical fearmongering.