- Dec 30, 2012
- 4,809
Earlier this month, Russia signed a law giving it the power to censor the internet. Now, it has passed another law banning the sale of smartphones, computers and smart TVs that don't have Russian software pre-installed, the BBC reported. Those devices can still be sold with their normal software, but Russian alternatives must be installed, as well. However, critics have said that's not possible on certain devices, and the law could force some international companies to leave the market.
The bill was created by a "pan-partisan group of legislators," according to Meduza. The aim is ostensibly to give consumers more choice, according to co-author Oleg Nikolayev. "When we buy complex electronic devices, they already have individual applications, mostly Western ones, pre-installed on them," he said. "Naturally... they might think that there are no domestic alternatives available. And if, alongside pre-installed applications, we will also offer the Russian ones to users, then they will have a right to choose."
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The bill was created by a "pan-partisan group of legislators," according to Meduza. The aim is ostensibly to give consumers more choice, according to co-author Oleg Nikolayev. "When we buy complex electronic devices, they already have individual applications, mostly Western ones, pre-installed on them," he said. "Naturally... they might think that there are no domestic alternatives available. And if, alongside pre-installed applications, we will also offer the Russian ones to users, then they will have a right to choose."
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