Putin Threatens to ‘Throttle’ Big Tech Firms Like Zoom and Microsoft

Key Takeaways:

• Putin Advocates Action Against U.S. Tech Firms: The Russian president calls for “strangling” and “throttling” companies like Microsoft and Zoom within Russia.
• Frustration Over Continued Operations: U.S. companies continue to operate in Russia despite announcing exits after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
• Microsoft and Zoom Targeted: Microsoft had declared an end to sales in Russia, and Russian lawmakers have opposed Zoom for years.
• Push for Domestic Alternatives: Putin emphasizes the need to develop Russian tech solutions to replace American firms.
• Reciprocal Measures Against Economic Aggression: The call reflects a desire to respond to Western actions perceived as attempts to “strangle” Russia.

Putin’s Call for Action Against U.S. Tech Firms

Russian President Vladimir Putin has openly called for the “strangling” and “throttling” of American tech giants operating within Russia, specifically naming companies like Microsoft and Zoom. The striking remarks were made during a meeting with Russian business leaders aimed at evaluating the state of various sectors in the domestic economy.

“We need to strangle them. I completely agree,” Putin declared, according to Turkey’s Anadolu Agency. “I say this without any embarrassment, because they are trying to strangle us. We need to reciprocate.”

Frustration Over Continued Operations

The call to action comes amid growing frustration among Russian officials and business leaders. During the meeting, a leader expressed concerns that U.S. companies, despite announcing their departure following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, continue to maintain operations within the country.

Microsoft, for instance, had announced it was ending sales in Russia as part of the widespread corporate response to the invasion. However, the ongoing presence of such companies has become a point of contention.

Historical Tensions with Zoom

Zoom has faced criticism from Russian lawmakers for years. Issues surrounding security, data privacy, and compliance with Russian regulations have fueled opposition to the video conferencing platform. Putin’s recent statements amplify the government’s scrutiny of Zoom’s activities.

Advocating for Domestic Alternatives

Central to Putin’s message is the push for Russia to develop its own technology solutions. By fostering domestic competitors, Russia aims to reduce dependence on foreign technology and strengthen its national security and economic resilience.

Reciprocity in Economic Relations

Putin’s rhetoric underscores a broader strategy of reciprocity in response to international pressures. He characterizes the actions of Western companies and governments as attempts to “strangle” Russia economically, thus justifying similar measures against U.S. firms.

Implications for the Tech Industry

The president’s aggressive stance may signal upcoming regulatory changes or restrictions affecting foreign tech companies in Russia. Such moves could have significant ramifications for the global tech industry, potentially disrupting services and prompting a reevaluation of international business strategies.

Conclusion

As Russia considers tightening its grip on foreign technology companies and bolstering its domestic alternatives, the dynamics between East and West in the tech sector are poised for potential shifts. The international community watches closely as these developments unfold, understanding that the implications reach far beyond national borders.