Apple complies with local laws. That’s typically Apple’s response when they receive criticism for giving into fascist or authoritarian regimes. Google doesn’t face the same criticisms at scale, possibly because even Google knows it long ago abandoned the philosophy of “Don’t be evil.” Google doesn’t claim to be better, a sort of lost cause.
When Vladimir Putin’s government asked Apple and Google to remove an app from the App Store and Google Play, both companies complied. The app was Navalny, named after Putin’s key political opponent and critic, Alexei Navalny. With an election happening this weekend, the app was a strategic guide to help those tired of Putin’s rule destabilize his government and install opponents. It helps voters find the right candidates to cripple Putin’s regime, much in the way voting along party lines can in other countries.
“We want as many non-Kremlin-approved politicians as possible to end up in Parliaments, including regional ones. This, at any rate, creates turbulence in the system, which is very, very important to us.”
– Ruslan Shaveddinov, a Navalny ally working with the app for “smart voting.”
The strategy could deal serious blows to Putin’s power, eventually helping to remove him from office and return Russia to a more free democracy. Unfortunately, Putin didn’t like that. Ahead of the election, Putin’s government asked both Google and Apple remove the app, damaging his opposition. Both companies quickly complied.
All eyes have been on Apple recently, as their CSAM scanning in iOS 15 (now delayed), relies on the company fighting back against requests just like this one. Instead, Apple complies, spelling doom for privacy on the platform if Apple implements their tool.
Smart Voting and the Importance of Apps
Russia’s voting is far from free and secure, but it can give Russians a chance to elect officials who may wish to fight back against Putin. However, there are often many candidates from a variety of parties running up against a lone Kremlin-backed official. The end result is a crushing defeat, with those loyal to Putin keeping power. The idea of smart voting is to rally around a singular candidate and party in a region for everyone who stands against Putin. This helps them come together around one candidate, increasing the odds that a candidate may unseat a politician loyal to Putin.
There are potential problems with the strategy. For example, a local politician could have a better chance of beating Putin on their own, due to their popularity, but the app may recommend an opponent, splitting the vote. This is exactly what smart voting is supposed to stop, but, in some situations, it could exacerbate the issue. Still, with enough research and polling, it’s a sound plan.
Russia had already blocked off access to the website. Russia, like many other nations under authoritarian rule, has their own internal internet, so they can easily block websites. It’s not as easy to block apps, especially if the apps in question store data locally. If you don’t need internet access to see the list of politicians you should support to hurt Putin, there’s little Putin can do to shut down access to the list. That is, unless Apple and Google comply and remove the apps from their stores.
Apple and Google’s Worrisome Compliance
Part of the reason Google’s compliance isn’t as bad is because Android can easily support side loading and alternative app stores. Users on Android can find apps elsewhere or, with some work in a terminal, even transfer unsupported apps between devices. On iOS, however, there’s only one app store, the App Store. If Apple blocks off your access to an app, it can be incredibly hard to regain access, and sometimes impossible.
The app breaks no guidelines for either platform. It’s simply an organizing app, specifically made to support a stronger democracy. It means both companies complied with an order, becoming allies in Putin’s fight against democratic opposition.
Death Knell for On-Device CSAM Scanning?
When it comes to Apple, one of the biggest problems with their CSAM scanning tools was the idea that a nation could force Apple to use the tool for nefarious purposes. Because it does the scanning on device, a government could force Apple to start scanning for things like propaganda, photos taken at protests, posters supporting politicians, LGBTQ-topics, and more. It makes it easy for a nation to crack down on citizens. Apple says they won’t comply with those orders but they clearly have no line when it comes to complying with officials. They’ll allow apps that can harm women, block VPNs in China, and even block apps related to freer elections in Russia. This is proof that Apple will not fight back against authoritarian regimes.
Alexei Navalny survived multiple assassination attempts, thought to be targeted by Putin directly. Putin currently has his political opponent locked up for what are potentially false charges. Russia under Putin has become increasingly hostile towards opposition, potentially due to the growing support to oust him. Now Putin has another ally: Apple and Google.
Sources:
- Natasha Lomas, TechCrunch
- Ben Lovejoy, 9to5Mac, [2]
- Ivan Mehta, The Next Web
- Reuters
- Anton Troianovski and Ivan Nechepurenko, The New York Times