The Italian government intends to restrict the use of the Kaspersky anti-virus software in the public sector, fearing that Russia may exploit the software to compromise its (Italy's) vital websites, according to a draft decree seen by Reuters.

On Tuesday, Franco Gabrielli, Secretary of State for Security, told the Senate that the government was working on rules that would allow state institutions to stop using software made by Kaspersky Lab. The new rules would allow government agencies to replace any software deemed harmful.

In response to the latest developments, Kaspersky's Italian branch stated that it was following the situation with great concern and was worried for its staff, stressing that they might suffer as a result of decisions based on geopolitical rather than technical issues.