The new legislation will require all smartphones, computers and even smart TVs to include Russian-made software starting in July 2020.
The lower house of the Russian parliament has passed legislation that will make it mandatory for devices like the iPhone, which have apps, to include pre-installed Russian apps. It does not require other apps, such as the manufacturer’s, to be installed.
However, telephones, computers and televisions without a locally produced app will be banned from sale starting in July 2020 . According to BBC News , details of which devices are involved or which Russian-made software will be required have yet to be determined.
“When we buy complex electronic devices, they already have individual, mainly western, applications pre-installed on them,” wrote Oleg Nikolayev, co-author of the Russian legislation.
“Of course, when a person sees them,” he continued, “they might think there are no local alternatives available. And if, in addition to the pre-installed applications, we also offer Russian users, then they will have the right to choose. “
However, the Russian association of commercial companies and manufacturers of electrical equipment for the home and computer denounces the legislation. BBC News reports that the organization has stated that it will not be physically possible to install such software on all devices. He believes that producers can simply withdraw from the Russian market.
Apps that are pre-installed due to legislation presumably should not go through a verification process like that of Apple for apps on the App Store. There would be no way for users to know if these apps contain official state-supported spyware or not.
The new legislation comes after the country has introduced increasing control and limitations on the Internet. So far, companies have complied with various laws, including Apple, which has agreed to store user data on Russian servers.
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