Ukraine crisis
Apple locks out Russia: This is how CEO Tim Cook explains the move
Apple CEO Tim Cook addressed his employees and explained how Apple will deal with the Ukraine crisis.
© Marcio Jose Sanchez / Picture Alliance
In a letter to employees, Apple CEO Tim Cook explained how Apple is reacting to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Many apps disappeared from the App Store, and the Russian online shop is idle.
The Ukraine crisis is keeping the world busy. Many big names in the tech industry had already reacted last weekend, blocking the Russian government’s propaganda channels or sending aid to Ukraine. Now Apple has followed: CEO Tim Cook wrote a letter explaining how the company is now dealing with the crisis – and immediately decided on a series of measures.
Sales stopped in Russia
In Russia, Apple removed all products from the online store and stopped selling goods with immediate effect. Exports to the country had already been interrupted last week as a preparatory measure. Apple Pay was also switched off for Russian users, contactless payment of train tickets, for example, with an iPhone is no longer possible there. Apps from Russian media under the control of the Putin government, such as RT or Sputnik, have been removed from the App Store, even though individual offshoots such as “RT Radio” are still available.
To protect against misuse of map data, Apple also supported Google Maps’ decision to disable traffic information and the display of current incidents for Ukraine. Experts had previously warned that, for example, traffic jams at night or the display of current visitor numbers would allow the army to draw conclusions as to where troops might be located or where people are fleeing.
+++ Also read: Google Maps no longer shows traffic jams in Ukraine, Starlink dishes come by truck: How the tech giants get involved in the war +++
donations tripled
To help the people of Ukraine, Apple announced that it would triple all employee donations to qualified charities. Apple employees in Ukraine and people of Ukrainian descent provided Apple with a contact address and promised to provide help where it was needed.
Tim Cook’s letter came at a time when many were expecting an invitation to an event next week. The announcement for this event is still pending. It is becoming apparent that March 8, 2022 is no longer an option for Apple as a date for a product presentation.
Payment options are shrinking
Other tech companies are also tightening their measures against Russia. Netflix refused to broadcast Russian government propaganda, and Google also blocked RT and Sputnik worldwide after previously only cutting off the ability to run ads. Visa and Mastercard have now also blocked Russian banks, and Russia’s contact with the global financial markets continues to collapse.
source: The Verge