Deputy of the Russian State Duma, Alexei Didenko revealed the government’s intention to restrict Western technology platforms such as Google, Android, and iOS as part of the Russian security measures, in what is being largely labeled as a bold move.
The impending block on Western technology in Russia reflects the country’s growing efforts to assert digital sovereignty and limit reliance on outside technology.
“This is the first hint that you need to switch to other platforms,” Didenko told outlet “RuNews24.” He added: “We recommend that business representatives and scientists transition to other platforms.”
Tagansky district court in Moscow recently fined Google 5 Mln roubles ($58,038) and TikTok 4 Mln roubles ($47,129) for failing to detect and remove unlawful content. This follows years of for Western digital platforms’ removal of unlawful information.
This comes after Russia banned other renowned Western platforms like Netflix and fines imposed on Alphabet, Google, and TikTok for failing to delete content considered illegal by Russian authorities. The government has constantly urged Western companies to follow local regulations.
Ekaterina Mizulina, Director of the League for Safe Internet, raised concerns, saying, “This is too much. If the majority of Russians had Android cellphones, what should we use?”
Mizulina and other officials denounced the action as excessive, others, such as Didenko, downplayed its significance, comparing it to the previous Netflix exit, which “calmed down” over time.
Didenko added, “The lack of services like Netflix did not result in a tragedy for Russians, We’ll adapt.”
YouTube has experienced substantial slowdowns in Russia, with download speeds plummeting by 40% and more declines likely. Google said that these challenges were not due to technological faults, emphasizing the tension between Russia and Western technology systems.
Apple has been penalized for failing to remove content related to Russia’s military activity in Ukraine. Following the Ukraine conflict, the business had already halted product sales in Russia and curtailed Apple Pay services, complicating its regional position even further.
Russian video hosting services, such as “Platform,” have struggled to compete with global providers, with accessibility challenges due to Russia’s blocking of services like Google.
The campaign to prohibit these platforms is motivated by security concerns, with the goal of protecting sensitive information and reducing foreign influence in Russia’s cyber scene.
“Civil servants and officials have long been prohibited from using these platforms, especially those who have access to confidential information,” said Didenko.
During Microsoft IT outrage services great issue, Russia reported zero technical glitches in corporate computers, banks, and airlines, thanks to their local technologies.