A new Russian law affects all out-of-country data storage, and it could mean a ban on Apple products.
A new law taking effect on January 1, 2015 may have dire consequences for Apple’s product line. The company’s deep integration of its iCloud storage system into its devices may leave the company no choice but to suspend sales in the Russian Federation in the near future, at least temporarily.
The law, which was passed by the State Duma this past July, stipulates that any company collecting personal data through digital means must ensure that “record classification, accumulation, storage, updating, and retrieval of personal data of citizens of the Russian Federation must be stored in databases located on the territory of the Russian Federation.”
This law gives the Roskomnadzor (Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology and Mass Media) authority to require companies to restrict internet access to resources that do not guarantee that personal data is stored within the Russian Federation, which Apple would currently be in violation of.
The Russian government and Apple have not commented as of yet. However, given Apple’s status as one of the leaders in cellular and personal computer sales in the world, it can be expected that the situation will come to a head as January 1 draws nearer.
Source: IB Times
