Russia’s Digital Development Ministry prohibits employees using Apple devices for professional purposes

Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media has barred its employees from using Apple smartphones and tablets in any professional capacity, reports Interfax, citing ministry head Maxut Shadayev.

“We’re introducing a ban on the use of mobile devices to access work applications and correspondence. No other restrictions are being introduced. It is still permitted to use iPhones in a personal capacity,” said Shadayev.

Shadayev also said that employees who don’t have Android devices will have to use computers to access email and other work applications.

On July 1, the FSB announced that American intelligence agencies were launching an operation against Russian nationals involving malicious software on Apple devices. Apple has denied FSB allegations that the company is collaborating with U.S. intelligence.