The latest development in the world of technology in Russia is now seeing a ban on Apple devices for state officials to use, allegedly claiming that the iPhones and such are being used by the US to spy on the country. All work done on Apple devices are to transfer to other technologies but does not completely ban the Apple devices as it is still available for personal use.
Russia's latest move is either in place or has already started the ban on different departments of its government, making sure that it is safe from the alleged spying.
Russia Bans Use of Apple Devices for State Officials' Work
Financial Times reported that Russia has recently imposed a ban on Apple devices for state officials, as well as other government work to be opened or done via the company's technologies. This means that state officials are no longer allowed to access these types of information on their iPhones or iPads, now a significant concern for the Russian authorities.
Russia's telecommunication and mass media industries were among those who already have set plans in its ban for Apple devices for work needs but did not name any successor for them. Allegedly, this was because of the Federal Security Service's (FSB) recent discovery that Apple is involved in a US spying operation against the Russian government last month.
Apple Devices Still Eligible to Own and Use in Russia
According to Engadget, this is not a complete or total ban on Apple's operations in the country. State officials and other government-affiliated people are still allowed to use iPhones and such. This is only allowed when accessing it for personal use, but anything beyond that is not allowed, as strictly enforced by the Russian government.
Apple's Ban on Russia and US Sanctions
The relationship between Apple and Russia has been tense for the past year, and this was because of Russia's deeply concerning actions against Ukraine, resulting in a number of significant companies pulling out their services and products in the Eurasian country. Apple first removed Apple Pay support for Russia's card payment system, Mir, early last year.
Still, it did not end there. Apple went as far as to pull out from the country by hindering all the sales of its technology such as the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Macs, and more.
However, it did not stop there, as Apple also kicked off Russia's largest social media app from the country's developer, VK.
Now, Apple devices are facing another ban in Russia after the FSB discovered the US spying operations among the Eurasian country's secrets and sensitive information. However, it is not a total ban for Apple products in the country, as these officials are still permitted to use Cupertino's tech, provided that they are not used for work purposes.
