Russia Asks Apple to Hand Over iOS and Mac Source Code

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Posted July 30, 2014 at 4:34pm by iClarified

Russia is requesting that Apple hands over its source code used in its products to ensure iOS and Mac devices are not being used for government surveillance programs. The request was reportedly made last week when the Communications Minister Nikolai Nikiforov met with Apple's general manager in Russia, Peter Engrob Nielsen.

"Edward Snowden's revelations in 2013 and U.S. intelligence services' public statements about the strengthening of surveillance of Russia in 2014 have raised a serious question of trust in foreign software and hardware," Nikiforov said in the statement on Tuesday.

"Obviously, companies which disclose the source code of their programmes are not hiding anything, but those who do not intend to establish cooperation with Russia on this issue may have undeclared capabilities in their products," Nikiforov said.

The proposal was also sent to software corporation SAP, a move the ministry claims will 'ensure the rights of consumers and corporate users.' As noted in the report, the ministry cited its decade-long relationship with Microsoft, which has been sharing its source code for Windows and other products.

Apple has long denied any backdoors or access to servers by government surveillance programs. Just recently the Chinese state sponsored media labeled the iPhone a national security threat due to its location service features.

Both SAP and Apple declined any immediate comment.

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Russia Asks Apple to Hand Over iOS and Mac Source Code

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Gogu - August 3, 2014 at 2:48pm

Apple should tell Russia to go "GOOGLE" itself. No more Apple product for Russia. The Apple black market would go insane, just like it did 6 years ago when a 16GB iPhone on the black market was selling for over $1000, and it was so hard to find one.

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icanhazname - July 31, 2014 at 2:30pm

But... If Apple would hand it over them (they won't), they could just remove the NSA code lines from the source code before they hand it over to them... So this is stupid from every aspect.

Techno - July 31, 2014 at 6:57am

Tell him son, tell them boys how it is. Btw you forgot to take your A.D.D pills.

Chief - July 31, 2014 at 7:00am

Actually it does, I work in advance security network and found certain options will turn of your location. It's called optioned slick.

NoGoodNick - July 31, 2014 at 2:57am

China at least had the nerve to steal the data, but if Russia expects to steal corporate technology, this is the wrong way to do it. Apple would rather never sell another product in Russia than simply handing over the technology which the Russians could then use to produce knock-off products. I've never seen Russia listed as a profit leader for Apple.

thevmaxer - July 31, 2014 at 2:04am

Apple should just BUY RUSSIA!

stevenlacross - July 31, 2014 at 12:54am

Yeah, there's actually been leaked reports talking about how apple has back doors and how if apple wanted to, they could open up all your iMessages and got into your phone backups and basically see everything your doing, they aren't concerned about your privacy

Eli Rivers - July 31, 2014 at 2:42pm

Well I don't really think Apple has such a bad intention against us just to see our messages and shit! But if apple is encoding our phones well at least the government isn't allowed to spy on us ob these phones! So in the end, neither Apple or the government gives you privacy, but the iPhone is officialy the best smartphone ever so... I guess I will stay with iPhone...

Eli Rivers - July 31, 2014 at 2:45pm

Thanks for actually being nice explaining to me how apple has total control of our phones! Oh and lemon at least i have enough live brain cells to choose not to name myself lemon, what's your instagram account Orange???!

Eli Rivers - July 31, 2014 at 2:55pm

Oh and they handed the award to me because first place wasn't there... I think first place was you...

gwyneth - July 30, 2014 at 11:02pm

Hahahahaha, good for Russia!!! Apple and probably other cell phone companies probably have been working together with certain agencies for us to be spied upon. I personally don't care because I don't do nothing and I understand it might all be for national security and all but it still not right to invade our privacy like that!

stevenlacross - July 31, 2014 at 1:21am

Like Steve Gibson always says, "I don't have a problem with giving out my passwords to someone I trust"

Vueapp - July 30, 2014 at 9:42pm

In Russia, code writes you.

stevenlacross - July 31, 2014 at 1:19am

Lol, best post award

Yagottabekiddingme - July 30, 2014 at 9:15pm

Obviously you don't know the difference between source code and API's.... Go back to school...

Yagottabekiddingme - July 30, 2014 at 11:13pm

Wow! Obviously I was wrong! Your in depth knowledge of code and your eloquent way of reasoning has really put me in my place... Ever thought of working for Apple? I'm sure they'd have a place for your talents somewhere!

Yagottabekiddingme - July 30, 2014 at 5:11pm

Microsoft shares it's code? No wonder there's so many viruses and attacks on its systems!!!

sigh - July 30, 2014 at 6:36pm

no lemon, Microsoft does not share its sourcecode with developers. it shares API's which allow developers to take advantage of their code. Go back to bed.

Eli Rivers - July 31, 2014 at 2:49pm

Hahaaha oohh burn!!! Lemon's got a little squished haha...

prostovanka - July 30, 2014 at 4:48pm

They say that the best trick the devil has done is fool the world that he doesn't exist. Do you know code 100% and you've verified that Apple isn't hiding anything? NSA publicly admits to having access to just about any internet connected device including iOS Devices. I guess IGNORANCE is a BLISS. The less you know the happier you are. This isn't lah lah land. Trust but verify is a good policy.

stevenlacross - July 30, 2014 at 4:39pm

Oh, apple is trying to hide

gamerscul9870 - July 30, 2014 at 4:46pm

Not as much as you once did.