Russia bans government officials from using iPhones over alleged surveillance concerns: Report

Russia has banned Apple iPhones from use by government officials over surveillance claims by the US, reported the Financial Times on Monday.

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSS) has told thousands of officials to stop using iPhones and other Apple products like iPads, the report said.

Beginning July 17, employees at Russia’s trade ministry will no longer be allowed to use iPhones at the workplace, the report added.

“Security officials in ministries — these are FSB employees who hold civilian positions such as deputy ministers — announced that iPhones were no longer considered safe and that alternates should be sought,” the report said, quoting sources.