The Russian government has reportedly told its officials to stop using iPhones due to concerns over cyberespionage.
The officials need to change their devices by April 1, 2023.
- The first officials that were told the directive were those tasked with preparing for Russia's 2024 presidential election.
- The decision was reportedly communicated by the first deputy head of the Russian presidential administration, while the government's spokesperson has denied commenting on the issue.
- This directive is in line with President Vladimir Putin's previous claims that he does not use smartphones for his day-to-day activities.
- Cyberespionage has become one of the most controversial topics in global politics. With the advancement of mobile phone technology, spyware has become common.
- Pegasus, arguably the most famous spyware in the world, has been at the center of this controversy. The spyware has been used by government officials in numerous countries to spy on political opponents, civil society members, journalists, etc.
- In 2022, it was reported that Pegasus had been used to spy on Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez, Greek PM Mitsotakis, EU Parliament members, etc.
- A Polish mayor was reported to have been spied on only two weeks ago.
