Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 1 hr ago
Russia requires Apple and Microsoft to store user communications
Russia added Apple and Microsoft to its surveillance registry on October 2, according to the article.
The registry is run by Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, and includes messaging and technology companies such as Google, WhatsApp and Telegram.
Under Russian law, companies on the list must store local users’ messages and calls and provide them to security agencies if asked.
They must also keep information about users and how their communications are transmitted in Russia for three years.
Companies that do not comply can face fines and may ultimately have their services restricted in Russia.
The move comes as Russia has tightened limits on foreign messaging services, including blocking or restricting access to some platforms.
Apple’s ties with Russia have been strained since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, while disputes over Apple services and apps have continued.
Neither company has publicly said whether it will comply with the requirements.
Apple and Microsoft have been added to Russia’s state registry of companies required to store users’ communications and provide them to security agencies if requested.
The companies were added on October 2, according to Bloomberg, which was cited by 9to5Mac.
Companies on the registry must store local users’ correspondence and audio and video messages, as well as information about users and communication transmissions in Russia for three years.
Companies that do not comply can face fines and restrictions on access to their services in Russia.
Neither Apple nor Microsoft has publicly commented on its inclusion or said whether it intends to comply.
- Who
- Apple and Microsoft.
- What
- Russia requires them to store users’ communications and hand them to security agencies if requested.
- When
- They were added to the registry on October 2; the year is not stated.
- Where
- Russia.
- Why
- They were added to Russia’s “organizers of information dissemination” registry, whose listed companies must store communications and related information under Russian law.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Google and its Google Meet service were added to the registry.
Apple and Microsoft were added to the registry.
- Companies added
- Apple and Microsoft
- Registry
- Organizers of information dissemination
- Date added
- October 2
- Retention period
- Three years for user information and communication transmission data in Russia
- Potential penalties
- Fines and restrictions on access to services in Russia
What people are saying
Companies on the list are required under Russian law to store local users’ correspondence, audio and video messages and turn that data over to security services if asked.