Apple App Store decided to bring back the controversial Smart Voting app. Right now, Russia is still against this voting application.
A visitor uses an Apple iPhone in a patriotic cover to snap photos at the Eternal Flame at the grand memorial to Soviet soldiers killed during World War II at Victory Park ahead of celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany and the end of World War II on May 8, 2015 in Moscow, Russia.
With that, Russia created a law that prevents the Smart Voting app and makes it illegal in the country.
Since the Russian government is against the application, officials threatened Google and Apple even before the law was passed.
Last September 2021, some Russian agents visited the house of Google's top executive in Moscow. They said that if the Smart Voting app is not removed within 24 hours, they will be imprisoned.
Of course, the two tech giants immediately followed the request of the Russian government.
Apple App Store Restores Smart Voting App
According to 9ToMac's latest report, the decision of Apple to bring back the popular is essential during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
An illustration picture shows a smartphone screen displaying the "Smart Voting" - jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's app that aims to help Russians to vote out candidates from the ruling United Russia party in the upcoming polls, in Moscow on September 16, 2021. - President Vladimir Putin on September 16, 2021 urged Russians to vote in parliamentary polls.
Also Read: Apple App Store Will Now Allow Third-Party Payment Options For Dating Apps in the Netherlands
The restoration of the Smart Voting app will allow people to know more about the candidates that Kremlin and the United Russia party do not back.
This is one of the main reasons why the Russian government decided to ban the app. As of the moment, many websites and applications in the country are still being censored or banned, preventing residents from receiving uncensored information.
Some experts claimed that the Smart Voting app and other applications in the official Apple App Store are important since they allow Russian residents to access news and other information without annoying censorship.
They further explained that the distribution of applications and other software in Russia needs to be maintained.
Why Russia Wants Smart Voting App Removed
The Smart Voting app was specifically created by Alexei Navalny, a Russian opposition leader who is still imprisoned.
Because Navalny is going against the Russian government, officials see the Smart Voting app's effects as negative ones.
EuroNews reported that the voting app also promotes candidates opposing the Kremlin-aligned politicians during elections.
If you want to see more details on why Russia doesn't like the Smart Voting app, you can visit this link.
Last year, the Apple App Store hinted that it would postpone the arrival of other payment options.
On the other hand, Apple App Store hackers used two iOS features to install malware.
For more news updates about Apple App Store and other application topics, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
Related Article: VPN App Downloads on Google Play Store, Apple App Store Climbs in Russia
This article is owned by TechTimes
Written by: Griffin Davis
