The Russian government has announced a ban on the use of iPhones for official duties by employees of the government apparatus from June 26. The decision was revealed by the BREEF Telegram channel, citing a document set to be signed in the coming days.
In March, employees of the domestic political bloc of the Administration of the President of Russia (AP) were also banned from using iPhones due to security reasons. The ban affected four AP departments, including those involved in the presidential election in 2024. Employees were advised to purchase phones with Android operating systems or those manufactured in China.
Similarly, the latest ban on iPhone usage by government officials is aimed at increasing safety measures in handling official information. The press service of the Cabinet of Ministers confirmed the decision, stating that the government’s apparatus regularly improves safety in handling official information, which includes the use of all forms of communication.
The decision comes after the Federal Security Service of Russia (FSB) revealed that it had discovered thousands of Apple phones infected with spyware used by American intelligence services for monitoring people in Russia and other countries. FSB urged the public to take appropriate measures and secure their devices.