While Apple’s products have become a must-have in the Russian political elite, the Russian government no longer uses iPads, according to Communications Minister Nikolay Nikiforov. Instead, ministers are required to use Samsung tablets in cabinet meetings and government committees.
Nikiforov, who earlier in the week suggested that the USA’s commitment to eavesdropping on foreign governments would blackmark American software and hardware products, clarified that the decision is related to privacy.
“These (Samsung) devices employ a special system that ensures the security of confidential information. Much of the information discussed in government meetings is of a confidential nature, and Samsung’s devices fully meet our security requirements after undergoing strict tests,” the minister stated.
However, he was keen to emphasise that the switch should not be viewed as a sanction against US products in general.
“At the moment we aren’t proposing any sanctions. However, when foreign countries speak openly about scaling up their monitoring of communications on Russian territory then Russians, and government officials in particular, should be very careful about whose IT services and products they use.”
Source: CNews.
