Apple in Russia

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has placed tech companies in a challenging position. I was just listening to a podcast on which the participants were debating the competing positions. One one hand Apple phones are very popular and expensive. Those unable to make purchases are likely the more wealthy Russians and possible more persuasive in putting pressure on the regime. On the other side phones and the internet are a primary means of information and the Russian people are being told a slanted version of the war and the atrocities being imposed on the outgunned Ukrainian people.

My perception of the value of truthful information has been shaped in part by the Russian people I know. We have good friends from Russia who just left after staying with us for a couple of weeks. They are not pro-Putin, but seem to largely get their news from Russian sources. Initially, their perspective was that of less alarm, but our television habits and their constant phone conversations with their own family members in Russia and Ukraine resulted in a change in their thinking. They have significant issues with the situation on both sides of the border suffering financial consequences themselves because of the funds they still have in a Russian bank and having to worry about those they know in Ukraine.

Disinformation is such a tool and we should understand this from the situation in this country.

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