“The Russian Ministry of Digital Science clarifies that the equipment (smartphones, tablets, Smart TV) manufactured after April 1, 2021 is preinstalled with standard versions of applications that tens of millions of Russians are already using,” the department noted.
They also emphasized that “applications transmit exclusively technical impersonal user data to external services, which are necessary for targeting advertising”.
In addition, when installing these applications, the user can read the software agreement.
The newspaper "Kommersant" with reference to the research of ANO "Information culture" wrote that all Russian pre-installed applications can transfer user data to foreign companies.
On April 1, Russia entered into force a law on the pre-installation of Russian programs on smartphones, tablets, TVs with the Smart TV function, laptops and personal computers.
In March, the State Duma adopted in the third reading amendments on fines for the sale of smartphones and computers without preinstalled domestic software.