Seven weeks into the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the war in europe From the East, the fronts continue to expand into digital spaces. Now, another blow is scored by another North American company, and it is none other than the owner of the rights to Times New Roman and Arial. Do these names sound familiar to you? Yes, these are two of the most used fonts in the world.
According to a report on the Russian portal Vedomosti, the font library Monotype Imaging Inc.. has already notified about the news to users who are based in Russia. The purpose is to inform them that they will no longer be able to access the site or use the sources mentioned.
The restriction is general towards all Russian users and, how could it be otherwise, is justified by the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine.
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Times New Roman has been present by default in most Microsoft word processors since the mid-1990s. Photo: Capture
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What fonts can not be used now in Russia?
This restriction has blocked some other popular sources, such as Verdana, Tahoma, Helvetica, Courier New, etc. However, the aforementioned Russian portal ensures that access is still possible through virtual private networks, also known as VPNs.
For their part, Monotype spokespeople declined to comment on the matter, even in the absence of an official announcement on the restriction.
Times New Roman and Arial: are they so important?
The popularity of these two fonts is due to the fact that they have been included by default in some of the most popular operating systems since the 1990s, including Windows Y Mac OS.
microsoft started using Times New Roman as its default font for its Microsoft Word word processor since 1998. Even so, in Russia they assure that the restriction will not apply to software products (both Microsoft and Apple) previously acquired.
It is worth remembering that both companies have suspended all product sales in that country since March, also in protest at the invasion of Ukraine.