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Watchdog plans to fine Google, Apple if they refuse to delete Smart Voting app

Earlier, the media watchdog warned foreign IT companies from interfering in the nationwide elections

MOSCOW, September 16. /TASS/. Russia’s media watchdog will take a decision on fining Google and Apple depending on their reaction to the order to delete the Smart Voting application from their stores, deputy head of the watchdog Vadim Subbotin told reporters.

"This decision will be taken later. So far, we have not taken it and we are watching for the reaction of both companies. Their reaction will be the grounds for decision making, in particular for imposing fines. If they refuse, fines will be applied," he said responding to a relevant question.

Earlier, the media watchdog warned foreign IT companies from interfering in the nationwide elections and demanded that they stop "providing options for bypassing restricted access to the Smart Voting application and website".

The elections of the 8th State Duma are due on the single voting day, September 19, 2021, although the voting procedure will span three days: September 17, 18 and 19. Alongside the elections of the lower house of parliament, there will be direct elections of the heads of nine regions of Russia (in another three regions the top executive officials will be elected by the legislative assemblies) and 39 regional parliaments.

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