INTEL: Russia orders Apple and Microsoft to keep user data for 3 years for security services
Russia’s communications regulator Roskomnadzor has added Apple and Microsoft to its registry of information dissemination organizers, according to reports of the listing. The status obliges both companies to store Russian users’ data and give it to the security services on request.
Under the law, registered companies must keep data on users’ actions and communications inside Russia for three years. They must also provide it to Russian special services when asked, including the content of messages.
Which services could be affected
For Apple, the rules could reach iMessage, FaceTime, iCloud Mail, AirDrop, shared albums and notes. For Microsoft, they cover messaging, calling and work services.
Penalties for refusing
If either company refuses to cooperate with the FSB, it faces large fines in Russia and eventual blocking of its services in the country.
The reports did not include a response from Apple or Microsoft, and it is not clear how either company will respond to the registry listing. The story is developing.
