The Russian House of Representatives on Monday approved a new regulation banning the sale of devices that do not pre-install their own software. The law will take effect starting from July 2020.
Smartphones, computers and smart TVs are subject to the application, according to the BBC. The Russian government plans to release a list of specific types of devices and software manufacturers must install in the future.
How the new Russian regulation raise concerns from various parties; manufacturers and the public
Things get complicated because some devices have a closed operating system. For example, Apple. Foreign media analyzed that there is a low possibility for the iPhone to launch using Russian apps. Unlike Android, iOS does not disclose its source code, and Apple has full rights of it.
Some predict that Apple might consider withdrawing from the Russian market rather than revising its policy under Russian law.
“It’s impossible to install Russian software on certain devices,” the Russian Federation of Electronic Equipment Manufacturers (RATEK) said. “There is a possibility that global companies will withdraw from the Russian market because of the sanctions.”
Many have also raised concerns over the possibility of the app’s misuse of Russian apps could monitor consumers with the activation of the new regulation. The Russian government received much criticism for stifling freedom of expression by introducing an Internet law. The law makes the country’s internet access secluded from the rest of the world’s.
Meanwhile, supporters of the bill argue that the law will lead to the development of Russian technology. “Most of the software in the electronics industry is from Western countries,” said Oleg Nikolayev, co-proposer of the bill. “We can offer Russian apps together to expand consumer choice.
Previously, Apple launched the new iPhone 11 with a series of other products including the new iPad, Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade.
