Russia has added Apple and Microsoft to its register of organizers of information dissemination. The Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media now requires both companies to store details of the receipt, transmission, and processing of messages as well as user data inside Russia. From 1 January 2026, the retention period for such information rose from one year to three years. Audio and video calls must be kept for six months, and the data must be made available to government agencies when requested. For Apple the rules could cover iMessage, FaceTime, iCloud Mail, AirDrop, Shared Albums, and Notes. For Microsoft they apply to messaging, calling, and work services. Companies that refuse to cooperate with the FSB face large fines and possible blocking. The move follows an earlier warning to Apple over pre-installation of Russian software.
Russia has added Apple and Microsoft to its register of organizers of information dissemination. The Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media now requires both companies to store details of the receipt, transmission, and processing of messages as well as user data inside Russia. From 1 January 2026, the retention period for such information rose from one year to three years. Audio and video calls must be kept for six months, and the data must be made available to government agencies when requested. For Apple the rules could cover iMessage, FaceTime, iCloud Mail, AirDrop, Shared Albums, and Notes. For Microsoft they apply to messaging, calling, and work services. Companies that refuse to cooperate with the FSB face large fines and possible blocking. The move follows an earlier warning to Apple over pre-installation of Russian software.