Russia could ban Apple and Google if they don’t open offices in the country

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Russia is calling on tech companies selling in the country to open stores to enforce a new law. This is expected to happen by the end of 2021. Otherwise, the company’s operations in the country could be suspended altogether.

In July, Russia introduced a new law requiring foreign internet companies with over 500,000 daily users to open local offices. Reuters reports that thirteen companies in total do not meet the criteria in a list by Russian telecommunications regulator Roskomnadzor. These include Apple, Google, Meta (Facebook), Twitter, TikTok, and Telegram.

Under the new Russian law, companies that do not open offices on time could be subject to bans or limits on advertising and data collection. In addition to having offices in the country, companies must agree on restricting access to information that violates Russian law.

This means that Russia may eventually try to censor content it deems unsuitable to be on the Internet, such as anti-Putin posts. This, in turn, means possible political oppression not only in traditional media but also in tech companies and social media.

It seems that the Russians may be forced to buy phones from brands like Xiaomi instead of Apple

All of this could lead many companies, especially those based in the United States, to exit the Russian market altogether. Admittedly, this market is very tempting in terms of volume, which means that current American companies could easily give way to Chinese companies if they decide to close it. As you know, China is another very strict country on online content and the domestic market. This is not the first time that Russia is dissatisfied with foreign tech companies. The country recently fined Apple $ 12 million for antitrust violations. The largest country in the world has also banned Samsung from selling its foldable phones due to a patent infringement with a company based in Switzerland.

Time will tell whether Russia will stick to its plan and whether the listed companies will open offices in the country or exit the market altogether.

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