Last week, we reported that Apple changed some information in its Maps apps (Maps) it’s time (Weather) to show the region of Crimean Peninsula as part of Russia, which disputes with Ukraine the geopolitical recognition of the region. As you can imagine, however, the Apple decision did not please everyone.
The company has now responded to users who have been affected by the change, saying it will look more deeply into border issues in its services.
We would like to clarify to our customers around the world that we have made no changes to Apple Maps in relation to Crimea outside of Russia, where a new law came into force that required updating the Maps in the country.
We review international laws as well as United States standards before creating classifications on our Maps and making changes, if required by law. We are analyzing in more detail how we deal with disputed borders in our services and we can make new changes in the future. Our intention is to ensure that our customers can use Maps and other Apple services anywhere in the world.
Critics of Apple’s arbitrary decision include Ukraine’s foreign minister, Vadym Prystaiko. At the time, the politician used a metaphor to explain what the situation in Crimea represents for him (and certainly part of the Ukrainian population).
Let me explain in your terms, @Apple. Imagine you’re crying out that your design & ideas, years of work & piece of your heart are stolen by your worst enemy but then smb ignorant doesn’t give a damn about your pain. That’s how it feels when you call #Crimea a ?? land.
– Vadym Prystaiko (@VPrystaiko) November 27, 2019
Let me explain in your terms, @Apple. Imagine that you are sad because your designs and ideas, years of work and part of your heart are stolen by your worst enemy, but then someone ignorant doesn’t give a damn about your pain. That’s how it feels when you say that #Crimeia is a land of ??.
It is unclear what exactly may arise from this “more detailed analysis” to which Apple referred, however, this will not be the company’s only concern with Russia going forward: recently, another change in the country’s legislation will require that all technology sold on Russian territory is shipped with pre-installed software produced in the country – at the risk of having the sale suspended, as we reported.
We will see how Apple will address these issues in the following chapters.
via Cult of Mac
