“On Friday, sources confirmed on background that at least one of the U.S.-based companies implementing the restriction felt compelled to comply for fear that local staff could face legal action upon receipt of a takedown order from the Russian Federation.”
Navalny’s tactical voting app vanished from both Russian app stores as the election began. It stayed up everywhere else. At least one of the companies folded because its local staff could face legal action. Two companies control the apps on almost every phone, and that makes them two easy pressure points for any government.