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By banning the use of Apple devices for government purposes, Russian authorities have taken an important step towards reducing dependence on technology made in other countries. According to the report Financial Times, Russia’s Ministry of Commerce implemented a new ban on all iPhones and Apple products. The decision applies to Russian civil servants in various agencies, including the Ministry of Communications and Mass Media. Some agencies are already implementing the new mandate, and others will soon follow suit. Of course, officials can still use Apple products for personal purposes.
The ban on Apple products for Russian government employees came after serious allegations by the country’s Federal Security Service (FSB) in early June. The FSB claimed to have identified a major espionage operation by US intelligence agencies by examining Apple devices. According to the FSB, many iPhones, including those of Russian diplomatic missions in NATO countries, were infected with surveillance malware. Additionally, the FSB accused Apple of working closely with US intelligence agencies to provide agents with a wide range of surveillance tools. Apple quickly denied the allegations and emphasized its commitment to protecting user privacy.
Russia’s recent move is in line with the country’s extensive efforts to reduce its dependence on foreign technologies. Vladimir PutinLast year, the President of Russia ordered institutions related to critical information infrastructure to use native software by 2025.
This ban is considered after a series of measures that have strained Apple’s relations with Russia. After the beginning of the crisis in Ukraine, Apple stopped the access to Apple Pay services as well as the sale of its products in this country.
Currently, Apple has not officially responded to Russia’s action. The decision signals the development of technology tensions between Russia and the United States, and is likely to isolate Russian civil servants from the global technology ecosystem.
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