Adobe has cut Venezuela off access to Photoshop and other Adobe software in compliance with US sanctions.
The United States President, Donald Trump had in August placed a trade ban on the country, a move made to increase pressure on Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro to step down.
Users now have a deadline set on 28 October to download content, after which accounts will be deactivated. It is unclear whether other technology firms will follow suit.
Adobe on a help page had explained: “The US government issued executive order 13884, the practical effect of which is to prohibit almost all transactions and services between US companies, entities, and individuals to Venezuela. To remain compliant with this order, Adobe is deactivating all accounts in Venezuela.”
It said it had no idea how long the sanctions would be in effect but added: “We will continue to monitor developments closely and will make every effort to restore services to Venezuela as soon as it is legally permissible to do so.”
It said it “was unable to issue refunds” because the sanctions included “sales, service, support, refunds, credits, etc”.
Adobe has moved to a subscription-only model for the latest versions of its products meaning users will not be able to buy standalone versions.
One human rights advocate in the region, Geoff Ramsey, tweeted: “Incredibly counterproductive. Any civil society NGO [non-governmental organization] or independent media outlet that relies on registered copies of Photoshop, InDesign or Acrobat will be impacted.”
The sanctions announced by President Trump freeze all Venezuelan government assets in the US and bar transactions with it. They are similar to sanctions imposed on North Korea, Iran, and Cuba.
The US is one of more than 50 nations that do not recognize Mr Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate president.
