There is a lot of tension rising between Russia and the US and it has been this way for a while now. With the recent occurrences surrounding Russia and the Crimea Peninsula, it is no shock that the US backs away from Russia, and Russia backs away from the US. It was just a matter of time before this political issue crosses into technology. So in an attempt to prevent the US from spying, Russian officials have thrown out their Apple products and replaced them with Samsung devices.
The idea of the US spying on other countries is not one that shocks anyone, honestly, if the US government spies on their own people why not other countries? First noticed by a journalist during a cabinet meeting, the ministers attending had Samsung devices, instead of their usual Apple devices. Then, it was confirmed by Russian minister, Nikolai Nikiforov, the recent change happened, “not so long ago.” Nikiforov continued to say the Samsung devices were “specially protected devices that can be used to work with confidential information.”
Apple has always voiced their opinion on the US government spying using their technology, however, according to Nikiforov, the change has nothing to do with the US sanctions. Instead, Nikiforov says, “American special services…will significantly increase the volume of information they intercept [which] of course causes serious concern to many governmental clients.” The excuse for the switch has been clear, Samsung devices allow for better protection of the information transmitted and saved to devices. This is not to say that Russia has chosen and are stuck with Samsung devices, instead this just opens up the Russian government to the world of Android. Meaning any Android OEM could be getting support from the Russian government, as long as they are not based in the US.
It is very interesting to see this move happen from Russia in the entire scheme of things. Do you think that the ministers are actually making a move against the US, or that this move has nothing to do with the US itself? Or with Apple being based in the US, are they just doing whatever they can to get away from us in every way possible? Let us know down there or on our G+ page what you think.