After the WhatsApp administrator attacked Telegram for spying, and with presidential elections coming soon, the Kremlin banned the use of iPhones by its officials due to current concerns about the “vulnerability of devices to Western intelligence agency”. So they accuse Apple and the USA of espionage.

According to Reuters’ reports, the policy applies to all types of civil servants in the country. Confused in preparations for Russia’s 2024 presidential election. Starting in March, they will no longer be able to use iPhones.

No Russian officials will be allowed to use iPhones during the presidential election process

The ban will come into effect from March 2023. They are concerned about national security from Russia and want to ensure that no external issues affect the votes and avoid any kind of attack. espionage or leaks.

This decision was made public at a meeting for “officials on domestic politics”. In it, the head of Russia’s presidential administration, Sergei Kiriyenko, said that Russian officials can no longer use an iPhone and They will have until April 1 to get rid of devices.

One of the civil servants attending the meeting was as candid about the new policy:

“Done with the iPhone: now you can throw it away or give it to the kids. Everyone will have to do it in March.”

As reported by Reuters, Kremlin will provide officers with other devices With different operating systems to replace iPhone. The order is aimed at officials involved in domestic politics.

Kremlin representative Dmitry Peskov also made some statements recently:

“Smartphones should not be used for official business. Regardless of the operating system, Android or iOS, every smartphone has a transparent mechanism. Naturally, they are not used for official purposes.”

In mid-2022, Apple decided to stop selling products in Russia due to the Russian occupation. It’s just one of many measures taken against the country led by Vladimir Putin.