Russia's communications regulator has added Apple to a state registry that carries data-retention and disclosure obligations, according to a Bloomberg report dated October 28 and later relayed by MacRumors.
Roskomnadzor placed Apple and Microsoft on its list of "organizers of information dissemination" on October 2, the reports say. The register already includes services such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Snapchat. Google and its Meet service were added in January.
What the listing requires
Under the classification, companies are obliged to store communications and make data available to Russian security agencies. That covers correspondence and messages that contain audio or video. Companies must also keep user identification information, along with records of communication transmissions, inside Russia for three years. According to the reports, firms that do not comply face fines and, eventually, restrictions on their services.
The reports do not include a statement from Apple, and it is not clear from them how, or whether, Apple intends to comply.
Background
The listing follows a series of moves by Russian authorities against communications services. In December 2025, Roskomnadzor blocked FaceTime, saying it was used to facilitate terrorism, recruitment and fraud. Russia had previously restricted calling on WhatsApp and Telegram and blocked Signal and Viber.
Apple has had a limited presence in the country since March 2022, when it suspended product sales in Russia after the invasion of Ukraine. It also stopped exports to its Russian sales channel and restricted Apple Pay there.
What to watch
Because Apple has no statement on record, the practical effect of the designation remains uncertain. The key questions are whether Roskomnadzor follows the listing with specific compliance demands for services such as iMessage, and how Apple responds. Cupertino News will update this story if either side comments publicly.
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