Russia urged government officials to move away from iPhone devices and switch to other smart phones from different brands. The Kremlin reiterated that this shift is framed as a defensive measure against espionage by Western intelligence services, according to reporting from the newspaper Kommersant.
In early March, Sergei Kiriyenko, the first deputy head of the presidential administration, outlined the plan during a seminar for public employees. Moscow gave a deadline of April 1 for adopting alternate operating systems. This security-oriented policy targets officials involved in formulating domestic policy, including the upcoming presidential election cycle and the leadership of Vladimir Putin, who is seeking re-election next year.
The Kremlin is positioned to equip its staff with new smart phones, described by one source as an orderly measure worth following. While the identity of the brands and the specific operating systems remains undisclosed, discussions have centered on ensuring that devices used for official work do not rely on widely used Western platforms. The aim appears to be reducing potential vector points for foreign interception and data leakage involving iOS from Apple and Android variants supported by Google and other providers.
Putin does not have a smartphone
A Kremlin spokesperson stated that smart phones should not be used for official business. The exact accuracy of the report was not independently verified by the spokesperson, who emphasized a cautious approach to mobile devices in the presidency. While some observers noted past comments about the president using internet services as part of broader communications projects, the current stance underscores a preference for more controlled, enterprise-grade devices for state use.
Over the past two decades, Vladimir Putin has shown minimal interest in personal mobile devices and social networks, reportedly avoiding public participation in such platforms. By contrast, Dmitry Medvedev, now serving as vice chairman of the Security Council, has been seen on occasion with his iPhone in public contexts.
The policy under discussion remains unofficial at this stage and comes at a time when recent geopolitical tensions have influenced Western access to technology. Last year Apple suspended sales of certain flagship products in Russia, including iPhones and computers, and restricted access to services such as iPads or Apple Pay. The company also limited access to content from state-backed media outlets and certain payment features for users in Russia. These actions intersect with broader sanctions and messaging from Western governments in response to regional conflicts and security concerns.
The timing of this policy coincides with high-level diplomacy, including a visit by a prominent international leader to Moscow. The trip occurred amid global debates about digital sovereignty and the role of tech platforms in security. In parallel, authorities in several Western countries have restricted the use of a popular video app in relation to national security concerns, reflecting a broader trend toward digital governance and information controls across borders. The discussion emphasizes how state actors weigh the trade-offs between convenient personal devices and the need for secure, auditable communication channels in government work.
Related posts:
White Gaming Chair With Footrest The goalscorers of Lionel Scaloni’s cycle in the Argentina national team After Hyundai And Kia, Nissan Also Sidelined From Apple Car Project What Is A Great Home And What Are The Benefits? Philips Hue Bulbs & Smart Home Lighting Girona overpower Mallorca in a 5-3 La Liga thriller to top the table Apple Vision Pro: Specifications, reception, and quirky moments explained Real Betis edges Mallorca in a tense LaLiga clash Apple Car: What We Know About the Project and Its Road Ahead How Forum Culture and Google Updates Shape Online Visibility Data sheet and match recap: Celta Vigo and Espanyol open LaLiga with a late penalty twist The New Way to Share, Connect, and Control Across Devices