Big bite from a bear: Apple fined $13.7 million in Russia

Apple has paid a $13.7 million fine to Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service for violating anti-monopoly laws. The fine resulted from Apple’s App Store rules, which prohibited iOS developers from informing users about external payment options within the app and restricting alternative payment methods.

Despite previously disagreeing with the ruling, Apple complied with the fine on 19 January, transferring the funds to Russia’s federal budget. This comes after a $12.1 million fine in February 2023 for alleged abuse of mobile app dominance. Apple ceased product sales in Russia following the Ukraine invasion, expressing solidarity with those affected. Russia’s tech opposition includes blocking access to major platforms in 2018 and reinforcing a regulated domestic internet amid geopolitical tensions.