Canva Quits Russia After Protests
Australia-based design software firm Canva announced Wednesday it is pulling out of Russia, after coming under intense pressure from Australian-Ukrainian activists. The company cut off payments from Russia soon after the country invaded Ukraine, but kept its free service available there with anti-war design templates and banners. That decision led to protests outside Canva’s Sydney offices, with activists saying the firm’s software was being used to create pro-war material inside Russia. Canva said it had now opted to quit the country entirely because of the Kremlin’s crackdown on dissenting voices.
Below is a statement issued by Canva on its website.
“Like billions of people around the world, we’re shocked and heartbroken to see the continued war crimes and the loss of thousands of innocent lives as Russia continues its illegal war in Ukraine. As we shared in early March, we stand vehemently opposed to the Russian government’s continued acts of aggression, and we’re committed to standing for peace and safety everywhere – which is why we’re blocking access to Canva in Russia for the foreseeable future.
“As this unjust war approaches its 100th day, I wanted to provide some more context on this decision and the work we’ve been doing since February to support Ukraine.”
