Russia now requires all smart phones and devices to be pre-installed with Russian software reuters.com

Photo: Reuters

Smartphones, computers and other smart devices purchased in Russia must come pre-installed with Russian software after legislation came into force on Thursday.

Reuters reported that Russia viewed it as a way to help Russian software companies compete with international companies.

The outlet added that the law had been an issue for Apple and that it had become known as “the law against Apple.”

But Apple agreed last month to allow people to install Russian software as they set up their phones, Reuters reported.

Apple said it would offer a selection of apps from Russian developers as part of activation screens for new devices. It said it intended to comply with the new Russian law, but noted that all apps are reviewed to ensure they comply with Apple’s standards for privacy, security and content, according to Reuters.

In a tweet on Thursday, an iOS developer named Tian Zhang shared a video of the new setup process.

A screen in the setup now says, “In compliance with Russian legal requirements, continue to view available apps to download.” Tapping “continue” takes the user to a list of Russian-made apps, including several from the search giant Yandex.

According to Business insider, Russia has been trying to crack down on US tech companies in the country and strengthen its reliance on its government-controlled “sovereign internet.”

Last month, Russia slowed down Twitter in response to the company’s refusal to remove various banned content, but that ended up blocking many more domains, including the Kremlin’s website.

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