Russia Bans Sale of Smartphones, Computers and Other Devices Not Pre-Installed With Russian Software

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Russia Bans Sale of Smartphones, Computers and Other Devices Not Pre-Installed With Russian Software

By CircleID Reporter
November 22, 2019, 1:11 am PST Views: 8,970 Add Comment

Russia has passed a law banning the sale of certain devices such as smartphones, computers and smart televisions if not pre-installed with Russian software. The law will come into force in July 2020. The law, more specifically, states that devices from other countries can be sold with their default pre-installed software; however, they also need to have the Russian alternatives installed. Oleg Nikolayev, a co-author of the bill, explains (as reported by Interfax news agency): “When we buy complex electronic devices, they already have individual applications, mostly Western ones, pre-installed on them. Naturally, when a person sees them… they might think that there are no domestic alternatives available. And if, alongside pre-installed applications, we will also offer the Russian ones to users, then they will have a right to choose.” The new bill is facing criticism by Russian manufacturers and distributors. There are also concerns about the potential for Russian-made software to be used to spy on users. (BBC)

By CircleID Reporter

CircleID’s internal staff reporting on news tips and developing stories. Do you have information the professional Internet community should be aware of? Contact us.

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