The Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation has been engaging with domestic mobile device manufacturers to secure equipment for the official duties of the commission and its staff. The CEC’s press service has confirmed this process to TASS, outlining that talks are underway to source devices suited for official use within its operations.
In May 2023, Ella Pamfilova, head of the CEC, directed her colleagues and subordinates to refrain from using iPhones and iPads for business purposes. An order reflecting this guidance is currently in the approval stage, signaling a cautious approach to device selection within the commission. The press service reiterated that negotiations with homegrown mobile device developers remain active as the search for reliable, domestically produced hardware continues to support official activities.
The Central Election Commission of the Russian Federation has further stated that Apple devices remain eligible for participation in remote electronic voting (DEG). The commission emphasized that current legislation does not restrict participation in DEG when using Apple mobile devices, underscoring a commitment to inclusive access within the framework of existing rules.
Earlier in the season, intelligence disclosures reported by the FSB and FSO indicated that U.S. entities were allegedly conducting surveillance via spyware on Apple devices, according to TASS. In light of these reports, several ministries and government agencies chose to limit or halt the use of iPhone devices in their official workflows. Notable examples include the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Rostec, the Federal Air Transport Agency, and Russian Railways, each reassessing device strategies in the context of national security concerns.
Outside of Russia, attention has been drawn to the broader discussion of early internet access and mobile technologies, including coverage in various regions. This broader context underscores the importance of robust, secure, and locally supported hardware ecosystems for government and public-sector use, as well as the ongoing evaluation of technological dependencies in state operations.