On October 2, 2026, Apple and Microsoft were added to the Russian surveillance registry by the communications regulator Roskomnadzor, as reported by Bloomberg. This designation requires both technology giants to store local user communications and hand them over to security services upon request.
Key takeaways
- Apple and Microsoft were added to the organizer of information dissemination list on October 2.
- Listed companies must store user correspondence, audio, and video messages locally for three years.
- Firms failing to comply face fines and potential access restrictions in the country.
- Google Meet, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Snapchat are already part of this registry.
What does the Russian surveillance registry require?
According to Bloomberg, businesses placed on this specific list must keep records of local user correspondence and transmissions for a period of three years. This directive covers written messages along with audio and video communications. If asked, these corporations must hand that data directly over to Russian security agencies.
Failure to meet these demands brings serious penalties. Non-compliant firms can face financial fines and eventually have their services blocked or restricted within the nation.
Expanding restrictions on foreign platforms
9to5Mac reports that this action aligns with ongoing efforts by the Kremlin to tighten control over foreign messaging platforms. Authorities have already blocked or limited services like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Apple's FaceTime. Other companies already listed include Google Meet, Snapchat, Cloudflare, and Blizzard Entertainment, with Google and its video-calling service entering the registry back in January.
Apple's relationship with local authorities has faced multiple strains since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The company halted product sales and exports while keeping the App Store running, which sparked subsequent disputes over payments, the removal of state-backed and sanctioned banking apps, and a failure to preinstall local applications like the RuStore marketplace.
What happens next?
Neither Apple nor Microsoft has shared public statements regarding their inclusion in the regulatory list. Officials have not clarified whether either firm plans to follow the storage and data-handover mandates or how they intend to respond to potential penalties.
Frequently asked questions
According to Bloomberg, Apple and Microsoft were added to the organizer of information dissemination registry on October 2.
The registry is maintained by Roskomnadzor, which is Russia's communications regulator responsible for overseeing online services and data rules.
Firms on the list must store information about users and their transmission of communications locally in the country for a period of three years.
Companies that fail to comply can face financial fines and ultimately have their access and services restricted within the country.
Neither Apple nor Microsoft has publicly commented on their inclusion in the registry or indicated whether they intend to comply with the requirements.
Based on reporting by 9to5Mac. Read the original article
