Google, Android, and iOS Could Soon to Be Blocked in Russia

In Russia, Google, Google Android, and iOS are soon to be blocked, according to Russian State Duma Deputy Alexei Didenko.

“Google will soon be blocked, along with Google Android. iOS will also be blocked, and this will not be our initiative. Government officials and bureaucrats have long been prohibited from using these platforms, especially those with access to confidential information. This is the first hint that you need to switch to other platforms. We recommend that business representatives and scientists transition to other platforms,” the parliamentarian said in an interview with Runews 24.

It is unclear if the move was initiated by Russian authorities or the platforms in question themselves.

The deputy stated that this should not be considered a "tragedy" for the public, citing the example of the foreign service Netflix, which exited Russia:

“Some people, of course, expressed their dissatisfaction, but over time, everyone calmed down.”

It’s been reported earlier that Russian video hosting service "Platform" has collapsed following the blocking of Google services in Russia, according to Russian media reports. The website has become inaccessible, and its main page now displays a message about technical maintenance.

This comes following a series of blockings initiated by Russia or the platforms themselves. On July 12, Gazeta.ru, a pro-state Russian news outlet, reported that the Russian government intends to completely block YouTube in September. However, the Kremlin has denied this report.