author: Witold Ciemierz
Apple Yields to Russia, Will Install Government-approved Apps
Apple has agreed to pre-install software approved by the Russian government on its hardware. The new rules set by the country's Ministry of Digitization will take effect next month.
- Apple agreed to the Russian government's demands to pre-install apps on the company's hardware;
- The case concerns software developed by Yandex, Mail.ru or Kaspersky Lab, among others;
- The Ministry of Digitalisation's new regulations will take effect from April 1, 2021.
Beginning with April 1, 2021, Apple device users in Russia will see a screen when they first boot up their new hardware, asking them to install a dozen apps approved by the Russian government. However, they will not have to agree to this. As reported Vedomosti, the company's authorities reached an agreement with representatives of the federation and agreed to introduce the new feature to iPhones, iPads and other Apple devices offered on this market. It is worth noting, however, that users are still to decide which of the proposed applications they want to install.
Initially, Apple strongly objected to such practices and stated that accepting them would be the equivalent of so-called jailbreaking, and pose a threat to the proper functioning of their hardware. Nevertheless, Russian officials informed the corporation that further sale of products in the country will be possible only if the company complies with the amendment to Consumer Protection law of 2019. Despite the fact that the Russian market is not crucial for Apple, the company decided to agree to the conditions set by the Kremlin, because otherwise it would have to pull back.
Current reports indicate that the apps will be government-approved software, including those owned by Russia's largest technology companies like Yandex, Mir, Mail.ru, Rostelecom and Kaspersky Lab. So the list will include, among others, payment system app, as well as state services, web browser, antivirus, communicator or mail program.
The whole situation seems to be a dangerous precedent for Apple, as the company has always focused on high independence of its system and protection of its customers' data. On the other hand, Russia is not only interested in controling its citizens but is also trying to gain some independence from the leading aps of American technology giants that are becoming more and more powerful in shaping public opinion.