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Despite its struggle for civil liberties at home, Apple has had to give in to the orders of the government of autocratic states overseas. Last month, it agreed to show Russian users a prompt to preinstall certain apps when activating an iPhone or other device before a new law is implemented. The list of government approved services included local applications such as Mail.ru messaging service, MIR payment system, VKontakte and Odnoklassniki social networks, and Kaspersky Lab antivirus software.
With the law now in place, Russians have taken to social media to show what the regulations really mean for iPhone users. As part of the iOS setup process, people in Russia are now offered an additional step that directs them to the recommended software list in the App Store. They include such services as Yandex.Browser, Yandex.Maps, and the Russian Federation utility app. Apple has activated the server-side system, according to 9to5Mac.
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As previously reported by local media, iPhone users are not required to download the apps to use their phone, but there is no option not to view them. Android devices, on the other hand, would come with the software preinstalled. Apple has also previously said that it will only display recommended apps that meet the App Store review guidelines. Critics of the law – which applies to all devices sold in Russia, including PCs and smart TVs – say it could be used as a surveillance tool.
Russia has already sanctioned American companies that broke its strict online rules. After recently slowing down Twitter over its alleged reluctance to remove “illegal content,” the government threatened to ban it altogether if it did not comply with the requests.
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