Apple and Google will be forced to clean smartphones for Russia

OS developers will be subject to the requirements of the new law.
Last December, the so-called “law against Apple” was finally adopted in Russia, prohibiting the sale of smartphones, computers and smart TVs without Russian software.

Now, the Federal Antimonopoly Service has proposed to extend its requirements not only to manufacturers, but also to developers of operating systems such as Apple, Google and Microsoft. This was reported by the authoritative publication Kommersant.

FAS proposes to oblige Apple, Google and Microsoft to be responsible for preinstalling Russian software on a par with device manufacturers. Also, companies will be forced to provide the ability to completely remove pre-installed applications at the request of users, if this does not interfere with the normal operation of the device.

According to experts, OS developers will not fulfill these requirements unless the authorities impose serious sanctions for breaking the rules.

The updated law “On the Protection of Consumer Rights” obliges before selling in Russia to install Russian software on smartphones, computers and TVs with Smart-TV function. It will enter into force on July 1, 2020.