Russia May Soon Ban Google Search, Android, and iOS Systems

Russian internet service providers have already blocked Google's video platform YouTube, following the blockage of other video platforms like Netflix. Now, a member of the Russian Duma, Alexey Nikolaevich Didenko, has indicated that Google might soon be blocked in Russia, including Google's mobile operating system Android and Apple's iOS.

Didenko, who is the chairman of the State Duma's Committee on Information Technology, a position that oversees the sphere of information technology and the internet, also mentioned that people should not rely on these platforms.

Since August 1, access to YouTube in Russia has been disrupted. Although not completely blocked, the website has experienced reduced speed and inaccessibility. The lawmaker is convinced that this is not a problem on Russia's end but is due to Google ceasing to serve its devices in Russia. Since being sanctioned, Google has not invested in its operating systems in Russia, resulting in insufficient video loading speeds.

The lawmaker further emphasized that Google would soon be blocked, including Google's Android system and Apple's iOS system. Russian civil servants and officials have long been prohibited from using these platforms, especially those with access to classified information. This serves as an initial hint urging business representatives and scientists to switch to other platforms.

Alexey Nikolaevich Didenko also mentioned that when Russians could not access Netflix, no tragedy occurred: indeed, some people grumbled in dissatisfaction, but everyone eventually calmed down over time.

However, from the current statement, it seems that the ban on Android and iOS systems is more of a warning since Russia does not have its mature operating system, and it is not feasible to replace all existing devices running on Android immediately. Thus, implementing such a ban would not be straightforward.