Russia threatens Google and Apple with fines over Navalny app News
© WikiMedia (Victor733)
Russia threatens Google and Apple with fines over Navalny app

Russia’s communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, on Thursday issued warnings to Apple and Google that the tech giants will be subject to fines if they do not remove an app associated with jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny from their digital marketplaces.

Roskomnadzor released the statement via the Russian Interfax News Agency, saying the app “is used to continue the activities and conduct of . . . the Anti-Corruption Fund,” which has been recognized as an extremist group and banned by the Moscow City Court in June. The app enables users to download Navalny’s blog posts to their phones and urges Russian voters to vote against Vladimir Putin’s ruling party in the next parliamentary elections.

Failure by the companies to take action will be considered a violation of Russian law and could also be considered interference by the US-based companies in the upcoming elections. Violations of the law provide for initial fines of up to ₽4 million (approx. US $55,000). As of Saturday, neither Google nor Apple deleted the app from their respective online stores.

The warning to the tech companies comes as part of a larger crackdown on western social media companies. Russia fined Google ₽3 million (approx. US $41,000) at the end of July for violations of new data protection rules, and also fined Facebook, Twitter and Telegram Messenger for illegal content.

THIS DAY @ LAW

38 Santee Sioux hanged by US for rebellion

On December 26, 1862, 38 Santee Sioux men were hanged in a mass execution for their roles in a rebellion against US authorities in Minnesota which left hundreds dead and made refugees of some 40,000 white settlers. Government annuities promised under a treaty with the Sioux had failed to arrive on schedule and credit for purchases was not advanced in the meantime, threatening the tribe with starvation. The Santee Sioux Tribe's members were deported first to South Dakota and ultimately to Nebraska, where they remain today. Learn more about the 1862 Minnesota Sioux Rebellion.

Louis XVI put on trial during French Revolution

On December 26, 1792, Romain de Sèze, a defense attorney for deposed King Louis XVI, presented a defense of his client. The former King was on trial before a French Revolutionary court on thirty-three charges, including treason and other crimes against the state. He was convicted on January 15, 1793 executed by guillotine on the following January 21.