Apple Agrees to Offer Government-Approved Pre-Installed Apps for Devices in Russia

[dogslobber]

In Mother Russia you don't install the apps, the apps install you!?

Thought it was "In Soviet Russia, the apps install you"?

 

[Santiago]

People saying this is no different then phones coming with pre installed apps have no idea of Russian history.

Pretty much all of Russian history can sadly be summarized as "And then things got worse."

 

[Cleartz]

I knew Apple wouldn't bailout of Russia, so this isn't a surprise.

 

[now i see it]

don't do anything nefarious and it doesn't matter what tracking apps are installed.

 

[Abazigal]

don't do anything nefarious and it doesn't matter what tracking apps are installed.

The problem, of course, comes when the definition of “nefarious” is up to an unaccountable entity with a poor track record of human rights and can change this definition on the fly to suit their agenda.

 

[Santiago]

The problem, of course, comes when the definition of “nefarious” is up to an unaccountable entity with a poor track record of human rights and can change this definition on the fly to suit their agenda.

Nefarious activities according to the Russian government:

1. Being a reporter.
2. Being gay.
3. In any way challenging the power of Vladimir Putin.

 

[Powerbooky]

...
Apple told Vedomosti that beginning on April 1, "users will be offered a choice of applications from Russian developers, which they will be able to choose for further installation on their iPhone or iPad." Furthermore, Apple is reportedly discussing adding a new section to the App Store in Russia specifically dedicated to promoting Russian apps.
...
Article Link: Apple Agrees to Offer Government-Approved Pre-Installed Apps for Devices in Russia

April fools day?

 

[Abazigal]

Either way, being given the option of downloading those apps is still better than being forced to ship those apps preinstalled.

 

[Tech198]

There goes the privacy snake.

What happens when the list of pe-installed apps being asked is reduced ? I don't believe these countries which come up with this will always stick to the promise of *x" apps only... its only just to lure people to feel safe... the once caught, they'll do it how can like.

eg. If the list contain 8 apps.. how do we know it won't reduce to 3 over time? All of a sudden its not even a usefu list anymore as the majority of apps are now installed without asking since there no longer on the list... And privacy goes away as well.

Asking is all well and good, but in a county dominated by control anyway, how do you know it's not just to please Apple?