The Russian government has decided to fine Apple $33,900 for allegedly breaking the law that requires its Russian consumers' iCloud data to be stored in the country's own servers.
Russia Fines Apple for iCloud Data
According to Reuters, Russia introduced the law back in September 2015, and it was reported at the time that the iPhone maker had partnered with a local data center in order to comply with the government's requirements.
In 2019, it was claimed that the tech giant was only about to comply, delaying it for four years.
According to 9to5Mac, Apple is still not following Russian laws over online data storage and has now been fined because it refused to do it.
A court in Moscow levied a fine of $33,900 on the tech giant.
The Russian court has not released additional details about the case, so it is still unknown if this is a one-time fine or whether Apple will have to keep paying the fine until it is forced to follow the law.
Apple has still not commented on the decision of the Russian government.
The tech giant has previously acceded to Russian laws and demands. It recently disabled its Private Relay feature for Russian consumers, and it was the first massive tech company to open a local office in Moscow.
Also, Apple has been sued by a Russian law firm over its suspension of Apply Pay in the country.
Apple Pay Suspended in Russia
In February, a Russian law firm filed a lawsuit against Apple after the tech giant suspended the use of Apple Pay in Russia. The said law firm is seeking $1.26 million in damages.
According to Apple Insider, Russian law firm Chernyshov, Lukoyanov & Partners claims that the tech giant has violated Russian consumers' rights after the Cupertino tech giant spotted the Apple Pay services in Russia.
The lawsuit is requesting $1.26 million as compensation for moral damages, Reuters. The lawsuit also seeks the restoration of Apple Pay services in the country.
In the same month, Apple also pulled out Apple Pay in certain sanctions-hit Russian banks, and Google Pay was also discontinued.
Apple later fixed a loophole that allowed Russian consumers to use Apple Pay by utilizing Mir card payment systems.
Effects of the Ukraine Crisis
The sanctions on Russia were imposed by the United States and the European Union as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Russian consumers are now unable to use any cards issued by sanctions-hit Russian Banks with US-based payment systems, like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
The banks affected by sanctions include Sovcombank, VTB Group, Novikombank, Promsvyazbank, and Otkritie.
Also, Business Insider pointed out that Russian consumers will not be able to use their credit cards when they travel abroad.
The consumers will also be unable to make online payments to companies registered in countries that have imposed sanctions.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has started a crash in the stock market, resulting in the sell-off of Apple, Bitcoin, and other massive tech stocks.
Furthermore, if the United States government forbids any hardware or software sale to Russia, it will affect any tech company that does business in the country.
For example, Apple would not be able to sell the iPhone and its other devices, provide operating system updates, or continue managing the Apple App Store.
Related Article: Apple Takes Russia to Court Over App Store Alternative Payments Issue
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Sophie Webster
