Why Google, Android and iOS could soon vanish from Russia?

The Russian government is set to block major Western technology platforms, including Google, Android and iOS, in what is being dubbed a bold move.

Russian State Duma Deputy Alexei Didenko stated that the impending ban on Google and iOS is not a tragedy, comparing it to Netflix’s earlier exit from Russia.

Why it matters: The potential ban of Google, Android, and iOS in Russia underscores the country’s escalating efforts to assert digital sovereignty and reduce reliance on Western technology.

Digital crackdown

• Government stance: Alexei Didenko, a State Duma deputy, emphasized that government officials have already been prohibited from using these platforms because of security concerns. “This is the first hint that you need to switch to other platforms,” Didenko told RuNews24. “We recommend that business representatives and scientists transition to other platforms.”
• Financial penalties: Recently, Moscow’s Tagansky district court fined Google 5 million roubles ($58,038) and TikTok 4 million roubles for failing to identify and remove banned content. This follows years of Russia’s demands for foreign tech platforms to remove content deemed illegal.
• Past precedents: This follows Russia’s ban on Netflix and fines imposed on companies like Alphabet, Google and TikTok for failing to remove content deemed illegal by Russian authorities. The government has consistently challenged Western tech firms to comply with local regulations.

State of play

• Impact on Russians: The potential ban raises questions about what alternatives would be available for Russians, many of whom rely on Android smartphones. Ekaterina Mizulina, head of the League for Safe Internet, expressed concerns, stating, “This is too much. What should we use if most Russians have Android smartphones?”
• Russia will ‘adapt‘: While some officials like Ekaterina Mizulina criticized the move as excessive, others like Didenko downplayed the impact, comparing it to the earlier Netflix exit, which “calmed down” over time. Didenko stated: “The absence of services like Netflix did not lead to a tragedy for Russians. We will adapt.”
• Technical disruptions: YouTube has experienced significant slowdowns in Russia, with download speeds dropping by 40% and further declines expected. Google stated that these issues were not because of their technical failures, highlighting the friction between Russia and Western tech.

We are aware of reports that some people are unable to access YouTube in Russia. This is not the result of any technical issues or actions on our part.

Google

Zoom in

• Apple’s challenges: Apple has faced penalties for not removing content related to Russia’s military activities in Ukraine. The company had already stopped product sales in Russia and limited Apple Pay services following the Ukraine conflict, further complicating its position in the region.
• Domestic video platforms: Russian video hosting services, like “Platform,” have struggled to compete with foreign providers, facing accessibility issues as Russia blocks services like Google. The Russian video hosting service “Platform” collapsed following Google’s service restrictions, demonstrating the immediate impact of such bans on domestic digital services.
• Security priorities: The push for blocking these platforms is driven by security concerns, aiming to protect confidential information and reduce foreign influence in Russia’s tech landscape. “Civil servants and officials have long been prohibited from using these platforms, especially those who have access to confidential information,” Didenko reiterated.

Bottom line

• Adaptation strategies: Russia’s experience with banning platforms like Netflix suggests that adaptation is possible, but the scale and impact of blocking Google, Android, and iOS could be more significant. The government faces the challenge of ensuring a smooth transition for its citizens while achieving its political goals.
• Innovation opportunities: The restrictions could create opportunities for innovation and growth within Russia’s tech sector. Domestic companies may rise to meet new demands, but the transition will require investment and the development of competitive alternatives.