Apple and Microsoft have been added to a Russian government register that forces digital communication providers to comply with strict data retention and disclosure obligations, as first reported by Tech Radar.
The Russian communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, added both technology companies to its official list on Oct. 2, 2026. Under these new regulations, the firms must retain user communication records, including voice and video exchanges, for three years within the country. Authorities may now request this data, and companies that refuse to comply face potential financial penalties or total service bans. This mandate aligns with broader efforts by the Kremlin to exert control over foreign digital platforms. Apple and Microsoft join other major providers such as Google, WhatsApp and Telegram on the registry.
These requirements follow a series of ongoing disputes between Apple and Russian officials, including conflicts over app store content, the removal of state-controlled applications and antitrust proceedings regarding mandatory software preinstallation. Neither company has publicly stated how it plans to address these requirements or whether it will cooperate with the government. The situation highlights the increasing regulatory pressure on international technology firms operating within the Russian market as authorities continue to restrict access to private communication tools.
Source: Tech Radar
