Russian authorities have accused the companies of meddling in the elections by offering the opposition apps
The Google app is seen on a smartphone in this illustration photo. Picture: REUTERS/DADO RUVIC
Google removed the app in Russia under pressure after officials threatened to imprison its local employees, a person close to the company said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Apple and Google didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov welcomed the removals, saying, “these applications are illegal on the territory of our country.”
The Kremlin has resorted to pushing competitors off the ballot and Navalny allies have been forced into exile or jailed. The smart voting effort, which mostly urges picking Communist candidates, could still present a challenge to the Kremlin’s preferred contenders in some races, particularly in major cities.The foreign ministry summoned the US ambassador last week to complain that American “digital giants” are violating Russian laws on non-interference in elections.
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