City
Epaper

Putin signs law requiring smartphones to have Russian apps

By IANS | Updated: December 3, 2019 20:25 IST

Russian President Vladimir Putin has given his approval for a legislation banning the sale of smartphones, TVs and computers without government approved apps pre-installed onto them.

Open in App

The legislation was passed by Russia's lower house of Parliament last month and Putin signed it on Monday, The Moscow Times reported.

The legislation, which will come into force in July 2020, is dubbed the "law against Apple" due to the iPhone maker's refusal to sell products loaded with such apps.

But before the legislation comes into force, the government will have to make a list of apps that need to be pre-installed and also provide a list of devices that will be covered by the law.

Smartphones, computers, tablets and smart TVs are expected to be covered by the law, according to the report.

Supporters of the legislation argue that it will give Russian consumers more choice and make it easier for them to use the devices that they purchase, while giving the Russian technology industry a level playing field to compete with foreign tech firms.

However, the legislation also raised concerns over surveillance and triggered speculation about some companies exiting the Russian market.

Apple reportedly earlier threatened to leave the Russian market if it is completely banned from selling products without pre-installed Russian apps.

According to a report in the Meduza news website, companies will face a fine of 200,000 rubles ($3,100) for not abiding by the law.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: RussiaPutinThe Moscow TimesIans
Open in App

Related Stories

InternationalRussia Train Accident: Goods Train Derails and Bursts Into Flames After Colliding With Truck in Smolensk (Watch Video)

InternationalRussia-Ukraine War: Poland Urges Citizens to Urgently Leave Belarus 'By Any Necessary Means'

InternationalPoland Shuts Airports After Russian Drones Sighted in Airspace; Polish Armed Forces Neutralising Flying Objects

InternationalPM Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin Seen Interacting at SCO Summit 2025 in China

NationalDonald Trump Imposes Additional 25% Tariff on India, Total Tariff Now 50%

International Realted Stories

InternationalIsraeli forces deatins Greta Thunberg as navy intercepts more than 10 Flotilla ships

InternationalTributes pour in as world-renowned primatologist Jane Goodall passes away

International"Bapu's ideals continue to inspire...": EAM Jaishankar pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi

InternationalTaiwan detects 11 PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels near its territory

InternationalTrump offers Qatar unprecedented military protection against attacks