• Source:JND
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JE Technology Desk: Apple iPhones are vouched across the globe for their privacy-centric features by their users. However, in an unexpected move, Russia has announced a ban on the use of Apple iPhone models for "work purposes" by government staff claiming that they may be used for surveillance, reported Financial Express.

Not only smartphones, but Russia's Federal Security Service (FSS) is also discouraging the use of other Apple devices, such as the iPad and more. However, these limitations don't apply to personal use. From July 17 (Monday), the trade ministry will not be allowed to use Apple iPhones in the office, including other work-related activities, the report claimed.

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As per the report, Russian officials believe that "Americans can use their equipment for wiretapping". While the matter has been concerning the FSB for quite some time, the "presidential administration" and some officials opposed the change because of their inclination towards the iPhone. Issues of inconvenience that come with carrying two devices are being cited by affected stakeholders, the source added.

"Security officials in ministries - these are FSB employees who hold civilian positions such as deputy ministers - announced that iPhones were no longer considered safe and that alternates should be sought," FT quoted sources as saying. "The specialists of IT department report when someone opens their work email from an iPhone. It's easy to control," claims another source close to the government.

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Last month, Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson of Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that iPhone is a "completely transparent" handset and its usage for state communication is "unacceptable".  

FSB (on June 1) claimed that it discovered a "spying operation" by US agencies via Apple products that were "infected" by monitoring software. However, Apple rejected these allegations and said it "never worked with any government to build a backdoor into any Apple product".