We are sorry to announce that we have removed Locus Map 4 and Locus Map 3 Classic from the Russian version of Google Play.
On March 10, 2022, in response to Russian aggression in Ukraine, Google Play stopped the distribution of paid apps, subscription purchases, and in-app purchases on the territory of the Russian Federation. Users thus lost the ability to update apps and renew subscriptions for advanced features.
We supported the decision despite losing not negligible revenue as a consequence. And not only that. We also took an action and immediately provided free offline LoMaps of Ukraine and all countries directly affected by the wave of Ukrainian refugees. We hope it helped the people to navigate their way to safety in foreign locations.
Unfortunately, the download limitations and Ukraine-supporting actions resulted in a wave of indignant reactions and a mass downrating of our apps by Russian users. Support staff was bombarded with name-calling, accusations, and insults on a daily basis. In an attempt to prevent it, we removed the most affected Locus Map Classic from Google Play in the spring, but the problem persisted. Moreover, when we heard rumors that Locus Map was abused for totally unacceptable purposes, the decision to remove all our products from the Russian Google Play was finally made.
So what does that mean exactly for our current Russian users?
Using the app:
- It’s not possible to download any version of Locus Map from Google Play Store anymore.
- The app on your smartphone remains installed unless you uninstall it manually.
- You will not get any updates anymore, so the app will stay on the last version available in Russia.
- The free features will remain usable.
In-app purchases and Premium functions:
- It’s not possible to buy LoCoins for Locus Store purchases or activate Premium features
- If you have already had Premium features enabled they will remain available to you until your Premium plan expires.
- After that, you will not be able to renew the Premium
We understand that there are a lot of peace-loving Russian users who don’t approve of what their military is doing. Many of them even risk losing their freedom or jobs by protesting against the war. Moreover, some of them are involved in active resistance against it. If you are one of them, please contact us via our helpdesk private ticket, we can find a solution on how to get you the app update. Each such request will be considered and verified individually.
Otherwise, we’ve been watching the situation closely and we intend to go on acting in accordance with this decision and with the international sanctions.
P. S.: No, we will not redraw state borders on our maps according to “some” opinions. Such requests are ridiculous.
Google PlayRussia
25 Comments
Good day. I have a problem with loading satellite images from Google maps into the Locus Map Classic program. I used them before the war in Ukraine. But when I cleared the cache I lost them and now I can't download because access is blocked. Please, help. I'm from Ukraine.
Hi Vova, Google Satellite Maps have never been officially in Locus Map Pro or Classic. You probably used some third-party add-on (e.g. Map Tweak) or you added the map as a custom one manually (see https://docs.locusmap.app/doku.php?id=manual:advanced:customization:online_maps) or from some user website (e.g. Anygis.ru).
Great decision. Best regards.
Good decision. The best solution would be to deactivate every Programm with a last Update.
Good decision and well explained.
Very good decision. Althought sad it needed to be taken.
Congratulations for repeating the mistakes from the past: every German is a Nazi and and every Russian is a friend of Putin and a war supporter! Is it not a better way to put pressure on better on russian government and not on russian people?
Thank you for contribution for thinking in stereotypes! This makes a life much more easier.
If you read the article you surely noticed this paragraph:
"We understand that there are a lot of peace-loving Russian users who don’t approve of what their military is doing. Many of them even risk losing their freedom or jobs by protesting against the war. Moreover, some of them are involved in active resistance against it. If you are one of them, please contact us via our helpdesk private ticket, we can find a solution on how to get you the app update. Each such request will be considered and verified individually."
So, if you feel offended and you are not "a friend of Putin", just let us know and we'll provide the app update for you. With pleasure! ;)
great decision - free ukraina !
You do not have to say you are sorry. It is good to let Russians know thee are very very wrong. Greetingz from NL
Great decision! I belive it wasn't easy but it is a good decision. Thank You for this!
Correct decision, fully supported.
Putin is the leader of the Russina people, so they should change it.
Great decision, thank you for that. I believe every single small part in contributing to sanctions and weakening Russians makes a difference. You probably save some Ukrainian lives by this step .... Greetings from PL
Ich finde es sehr schön, dass das Locus-Team sich mit Menschen solidarisch zeigt, die sich für Frieden und Demokratie einsetzen.
Ich finde es schrecklich, dass sie dafür beschimpft und beleidigt werden.
Ich freue mich, dass das Locus-Team sich dagegen wehrt.
Ich wünsche dem Locus-Team Freude an der Arbeit und einen ruhigen Schlaf.
Liebes LocusMap-Team für mich klingen die aufgeführten Gründe nicht wirklich nach einer Entscheidung. Das große US-amerikanische Unternehmen Google hat gesagt, wo es lang geht und sie müssen danach handeln. Ich bin gegen jeden Krieg, der auf unserer Welt geführt wird. Aber es ist schon sehr auffällig, wie Russland hier an den Pranger gestellt wird. Und diese Aktion mit dem Verbot der LocusMap betrifft das einfache Volk oder glauben sie ernsthaft, dass das russische Militär kein besseres Navigationssystem besitzt?
Wenn es wirklich ihre Entscheidung gewesen wäre, würde ich sie nicht gut finden.
Wenigstens haben sie eine Hintertür offen gelassen...
Totally agree!
Gute Entscheidung!
In General, your whole Company with it's people are great. You have an excellent product and also a good communication! Whoever the people write her comments, if it's ok for the reader or not, your explanations are clearly and without interests for any party. I am impressed.
Absolutely correct decision. Wake up, Russia !
You made the right decision. More respect to you.
Good decision! Maybe it will help to wake up more of the RU people.
Perfect decision, respect
Guys, I applaud your decision but the difference between you and me is that I
hate all wars. Wars in Afghanistan by NATO countries lasted almost 20 years, Iraq, Libya, Syria to name a few others and what have you done there? Let me guess, nothing!
Hi, Locus Map didn't exist at that time.
Google hat das entschieden! Putin wird stark beeindruckt sein! Es muss Spass machen die Normalbürger in Russland von mittlerweile allem auszugrenzen. Political correctness rules!