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opinion Jason Corcoran

How Putin Turned Against Tech and 'Strangled' Russia's Silicon Dreams

Putin's obsession with control is killing Russia's chances for innovation as tech talent flees abroad and homegrown alternatives fail.

Samsung Halts Use of Russian Metals for Tech Displays – Kommersant

The move by the South Korean brand reflects growing global caution about the risk of secondary sanctions.

Putin Says Russia Should ‘Strangle’ Foreign Tech Companies

“I say this without hesitation,” the president told a group of business leaders. “We must respond in kind, mirror their actions.”

Russian Court Fines Apple for Violating 'LGBT Propaganda' Law

Russia in 2023 widened restrictions on the promotion of "non-traditional sexual relations" amid a broader crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights.

This Belarusian Firm Supplies Western Tech Giants Like Apple – And Russia's Defense Industry

Izovac and its affiliates have supplied some $200 million in equipment to Russian defense contractors since the invasion of Ukraine, according to an investigation...

Russia's IT Sector Fears Re-Entry of Western Competitors

Russian IT companies are concerned that increased foreign competition might make their already precarious situation yet more difficult.

Russia’s Only TV Manufacturer Discontinues Production

Sources close to the company said the decision to end production was due to sluggish demand and burdensome government paperwork.

Putin Bans Government, Bank Employees From Using Foreign Messaging Apps

Employees of government agencies, credit institutions and telecom operators will be barred from communicating via foreign messaging apps in an official...

Russia’s VK to Launch Copycat of China’s WeChat – Vedomosti

Dubbed “Max,” the beta version will reportedly feature a standalone messenger, a payment system, mini-apps and a chatbot constructor for business owners...

opinion Ben Dubow

Russian AI Struggles in Its Own Language

Russia's supposedly cutting-edge GigaChat MAX — based on DeepSeek — is still miles behind its Chinese and American competitors.

Sanctions Create Opportunities for Chinese Tech Companies in Russia

With their primary focus on software development and cryptocurrency mining, these firms are reshaping the Russian tech landscape.

Russian IT Growth Faces an Uncertain Future

Nearly three years after the departure of major Western IT firms, Russia's tech market is on the rise — but the growth is unlikely to be sustainable...

Steve Jobs Was Like Hitler, Russian State TV Boss Says

Channel One CEO Konstantin Ernst called the iPhone “extremely harmful and monstrous for humanity” for “destroying human connection.”

Google Restricts Account Creation in Russia, Digital Ministry Says

Authorities advised users to back up their data, consider switching to alternative authentication methods or move to domestic services.

Russian Church Non-Profit to Launch ‘Orthodox WhatsApp’

The messaging app will allow users to communicate directly with their local churches and clergy, as well as make donations.

Wix Website Builder Blocks Russian Users as U.S. Sanctions Bite

The company said it plans to restrict access to both free and paid accounts, adding that it will take existing websites built by Russian residents offline...

U.S. Urges Big Tech to Boost Anti-Censorship Tools for Russians – Reuters

U.S. government-backed Open Technology Fund has been financing several American firms to offer free virtual private networks to Russians.

Russian Firms Bought Dutch Microchip-Making Machine Parts via China – Trouw

The imported parts, while made in the late 1990s and early 2000s, reportedly remain “very useful for chips in everyday devices and weapons.”

Russia Blocks Signal Messenger For ‘Violating’ Country’s Legislation

Signal is considered to be one of the most secure messaging apps and is used by many independent Russian journalists and opposition activists.

As Russia Throttles YouTube, Exiled Opposition Voices Prepare for Total Blackout

For the exiled opposition and independent media, losing YouTube would mean losing a critical means of reaching millions inside Russia.

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