The Russian government approved this month new protectionist legislation that may directly affect technology and media companies such as Apple, Google, Samsung and Netflix, so that the new legislation that enters into force on the first of July 2020 requires all computers, smartphones, tablets and other devices sold in Russia provide pre-installed Russian software.
One of the new requirements explains that all devices must have Yandex web browser and other applications developed in Russia installed by default, which is not desired by many foreign technology companies, including Apple.
This raised concerns about data privacy, as another requirement indicates that all Russian user data must be stored on local servers, and Russia has blocked LinkedIn's network of country after it refused to share user information on Russian servers, and the same may happen with Facebook and Twitter .
Facebook and Twitter are currently violating Russian legislation enacted three years ago, which requires the storage of personal data for Russians in Russia, and the two companies continue to store personal data for their Russian users outside the country, while calls continue to ban access to Facebook and Twitter, where lawmakers and politicians accuse the two companies of interfering in Russia's affairs by allowing By publishing anti-Kremlin content.
The RATEK Association of Commercial Companies and Manufacturers of Home Appliance and Computers, of which Apple is a member, criticized the initiative, and a spokesman for the association told the Hollywood Reporter: The new legislation affects business in the country, and is a blow to consumers, electronics manufacturers and software developers alike. .
"Manufacturers will suffer because some operating systems are not suitable for external applications, and even those who are likely to be able to install local applications in advance will have to pay a large license fee," he added.
It seems unlikely that Apple will agree to such a thing, as the iPhone manufacturer refuses to modify its operating systems for specific areas or phone companies, and even companies that can modify the system must pay a license to use these Russian applications, which makes the product more Cost and least competitive in the market.
The Hollywood Reporter also stated that changes in Russian legislation should affect services such as Apple TV + and Netflix, as the government wants to protect locally produced multimedia content, and violations of laws can result in a penalty of up to 18 million rubles, or about $ 290,000.
Although the numbers are still low compared to the revenues of technology giants, these fines can be applied technically repeatedly, and this may lead to the suspension of many companies from their operations in the country.
It is reported that Apple, Google, Samsung and Dell have met to try to reverse the government's decision, but they have failed to do so far.
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