Russian Citizens Can Now Access Intel And Microsoft Software, The US Rules Langgar?

Intel itself has 1,200 employees in Russia. (photo: dock. intel)

JAKARTA - Due to its invasion of Ukraine, Russian citizens were no longer able to access drivers and some software from Intel and Microsoft. But now they have a way to get it through the back.

Some people managed to find a way to gain access to the software thanks to indirect navigation routes, which avoid blocking to prevent people from accessing Intel's websites.

Citizens and companies in Russia must take the route to get the desired files. The route can be accessed if the user navigates directly to Intel's download portal from other sites such as search engines.

Once again, the site is now accessible, while when the invasion first started it doesn't happen. That is, they can't enter through the front door, but if they can find the correct URL, it will open access to an Intel driver.

Intel and Microsoft withdrew from Russia following the country's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Intel argued for complying with US export regulations that block semiconductor supplies to Russia for certain reasons, including military applications.

A month later, the chipmaker giant stopped all sales in Russia. Then in April last year they also stopped all business operations there. Intel itself has 1,200 employees in Russia.

Regarding access to this back route, Intel responded by calling it a company guarantee. It's not clear what he meant. Chances are, if they took items that were previously not retrieved, that's the reason, a warranty obligation.

"Access to resources that meet driver updates needs, such as Intel Download Center and Intel Download Support Assistant, are part of Intel's guarantee obligations," Intel said.

However, this does not mean Intel will reopen its business in Russia. "There has been no recent change to our operations. Intel continues to comply with all applicable export regulations and sanctions in the country where it operates," Intel said.

"This includes compliance with export sanctions and controls against Russia and Belarus issued by the US and allied countries."

Meanwhile Microsoft, reported by CNews, they took the same route as Intel in allowing multiple downloads. After the invasion, Microsoft began closing its doors to Russia, including prohibiting Russian citizens or companies from downloading Windows distributions, software updates, or security patch from its website.

However, these restrictions were lifted by the end of 2022 and starting this week, updates for Windows 11 can be downloaded and installed by people in Russia.