Apple Enforces Agreement With Russian Government

American multinational technology company, Apple has now enabled a system server-side for the Russian Government to choose from the special App Store the list of apps to install as part of set up.

Last month, it was revealed that Apple had agreed to comply with new Russian legislation that would require device makers to ‘preinstall’ apps as part of the first setup.

This law came into effect on Thursday, April 1. After completing the normal iPhone set up, iOS now directs the user to a special App Store collection of apps. The apps displayed are chosen by the Russian government.

The User is directed to the App Store collection by force, but it can be dismissed just by pressing the normal modal close ‘x’ in the corner. The process is not as horrific as the preinstall laws first made it sound.

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Users also have to clearly press the download button next to an app in the list for it to be installed in the system.

The setup process transparently informing the user that “in compliance with Russian legal requirements, continue to view available apps to download,” Apple makes it clear that this step is required to comply with local laws.

Although the collection of featured apps may change over time, the apps currently include Yandex. Browser, Yandex.Maps, Mail.ru, the Russian federation public services app, and what appears to be a Russian social networking service.

Apple previously said that all apps must comply with App Store Review guidelines. That means although the Russian government ultimately decides what apps appear in the list, it cannot include software that would not otherwise be allowed in the App Store.