Russia demands Apple hand over user phone and message records to its security agencies when requested

Date:
Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:25:00 +0000

Description:
Russia adds Apple and Microsoft to its surveillance register, requiring three-year data retention and disclosure of customers' communications to security agencies.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Russia gives security agencies new powers over Apple's customer communications Apple and Microsoft must retain Russian users' communication records for three years Russian authorities threaten service bans on companies that refuse to disclose data Apple and Microsoft have entered a Russian government register that subjects digital communication providers to data retention and disclosure obligations.

Their inclusion means Russian authorities may seek correspondence, voice recordings and video exchanges associated with people using the companies services. The designation also requires covered firms to preserve customer details and records showing how communications move through their systems. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here: Russia imposes compulsory data disclosure requirements According to Bloomberg , Russias communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, added both technology groups to its official list on October 2 2026.

Russian law sets three years for retaining the records, which must remain within the country. You may like Russia escalates VPN blocks following State Duma elections in major censorship crackdown Russia to double internet censorship budget in 2027, plotting new VPN traffic fee Russian tech giant VK is suing Apple for blocking its apps and wants $696,000 a day in
compensation

Companies that disregard the requirements risk financial penalties, while persistent violations could eventually result in bans on their services
within Russia.

Apple and Microsoft now join Google Meet, WhatsApp , Telegram, Snapchat, Cloudflare and Blizzard Entertainment among technology providers covered by the regulations. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners
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Google and its video conferencing service were added to the register in January, extending the measure to another major international technology provider.

The Kremlin has also restricted access to WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal and Apple's FaceTime as authorities increase pressure on foreign communication platforms.

These restrictions have affected services used for private conversations, voice calls and video communication. What to read next Could Google kick out Russian apps from Android for good? A new developer verification system may
be the first step towards a total ban for Moscow developers, almost 56 months since the start of the Ukraine war Russian websites could soon be easy pickings for hackers as security certificates expire banks, emails, and government systems all potentially at risk Russia's next tool to fight VPNs appears to be AI and the numbers suggest it's scarily effective Apple faces additional regulatory disputes in Russia Apple's latest regulatory difficulties follow several disputes with Russian authorities, including the company's suspension of product sales and exports after the war in Ukraine began in 2022.

Its commercial activities in the country have also contracted, with services such as Apple Pay affected by restrictions introduced following the war.

In April 2026, Russian customers lost the ability to purchase new App Store content or renew subscriptions without sufficient funds already available in their Apple Accounts.

The payment restrictions meant customers could no longer rely on their usual payment methods to complete purchases or maintain existing subscriptions.

In June 2026, the Kremlin demanded an explanation after Apple removed several applications developed by VK, a technology company controlled by the Russian state.

Apple also withdrew banking applications associated with Russian financial institutions facing international sanctions during the same period.

Those removals affected access to financial services through Apple's application marketplace, adding another dispute to the company's relationship with Russian authorities.

In August 2026, Russia's antitrust regulator opened proceedings against Apple over its failure to preinstall the government-backed MAX messaging service
and RuStore application marketplace on its devices.

The proceedings concern software distribution requirements that Russia has introduced for technology companies operating within its domestic market.

As of the time of writing, neither Apple nor Microsoft has publicly explained how it intends to address the latest regulatory requirements or whether it will cooperate with Russian authorities.

The companies have also not disclosed whether their inclusion in the register will affect their existing services or commercial activities within Russia.

Via 9to5mac Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/russia-demands-apple-hand-over-user-phone-and-me ssage-records-to-its-security-agencies-when-requested


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