Financial Times reportIt is alleged that the Russian government believes that Apple devices may be used by the US government to steal information through spyware, and therefore prohibits personnel from the Russian Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Energy and other agencies from using such products.
Previously, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) claimed that the US government used unknown spyware to eavesdrop on foreign diplomats stationed in Russia by hacking into Apple devices. However, Apple later clarified the matter, emphasizing that it had never collaborated with government agencies to install backdoors in its products and that it would not do so in the future.
But it is obvious that Russia did not accept Apple's statement and demanded that staff of institutions including the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Energy should not use Apple products to avoid being eavesdropped by the US government.
The market sees this as Russia's retaliation against the US government. After all, the US government previously blocked numerous Russian services, citing national security concerns. Furthermore, the US government has also imposed economic sanctions on Russia due to the Ukraine-Russia war, potentially leading to Russia's planned retaliation.
In March of this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree prohibiting all Russian state and quasi-governmental entities from using foreign software in critical information infrastructure without prior permission, effective March 3st. This ban, which initially targeted the well-known Apple brand, may extend to more US products, potentially raising security concerns about US products in other countries and regions.
