Intel and Microsoft Resume Support in Russia

[AleksandarK]

According to multiple reports and sources close to Tom's Hardware, Intel and Microsoft have quietly resumed operations and a basic level of support in Russia. As to comply with sanctions imposed by Europe, the UK, and US, Intel and Microsoft are forbidden to sell any new technology within the state of Russia. This has made Intel and Microsoft block official software downloads. However, Intel has stated that the company is obliged to provide warranty services that are a part of purchasing an Intel product. "Intel continues to comply with all applicable export regulations and sanctions in the countries in which it operates. This includes compliance with the sanctions and export controls against Russia and Belarus issued by the US and allied nations. Access to resources that meet driver update needs, such as the Intel Download Center and Intel Download Support Assistant (IDSA), are part of Intel's warranty obligations," said Intel, adding that "There have been no recent changes to our operations."

These changes are not exactly "recent," as reports close to Tom's Hardware have noted that downloads were resumed towards the end of 2022. Izvestia and CNews reported that users could access the Intel download portal without VPN and IP masking. This required finding a download section through Google/Yandex, as the official Intel Russia website is still not officially reachable by Russian IPs.




Additionally, reports also indicate that Microsoft has also resumed Windows 11 updates for Russian citizens. The company issued a statement for Tom's Hardware that states "As we shared previously, we have stopped all new product and services sales in Russia and are complying with sanctions from the EU, UK and US." However, software updates are not new sales but rather updates to the existing purchase. Tom's Hardware reached out to Microsoft for further clarification; however, the company stated that there is no additional information to share at present.

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[Forza.Milan]

before Chinese products enter, before it's too late

 

[ZoneDymo]

Yikez

 

[low]

There was a report last week about several other companies, who claimed to have left russia, but are still there.

 

[Minus Infinity]

Intel is quoting rules of law for warranty for a country that holds contempt for rules of law and wages real and cyber wars on the rest of the world. How f@%king pathetic.

 

[Dammeron]

"We have to obay the law and rules stated in our EULA, that's why we resumed support for proven murderers, dictators etc.".

 

[Verpal]

"We have to obey the law and rules stated in our EULA, that's why we resumed support for proven murderers, dictators etc.".

I think it is important not to dehumanise entire nation of people, what is done by a nation isn't directly responsible by its citizens, especially in place with limited democracy.

Personally, I withhold judgement until more is understood about the nature of warranty support fufilment in Russia, if Intel is trying to only fufill request from private Russian citizens who are not sanction targets, IMO it is acceptable.

 

[Chomiq]

Ok, how do we avoid political discussion in a thread that's clearly political?

 

[zlobby]

Comments are bound to be interesting. However, this is the simple truth:

 

[zlobby]

Ok, how do we avoid political discussion in a thread that's clearly political?

As per usual, it won't be pretty. Neither is war.

 

[katzi]

Ewww gross...

What the hell are they thinking? Oh wait, shareholders want $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ to wipe their tears with.

 

[docnorth]

No big deal, large companies and 'oligarchs' by-pass such sanctions anyway.

 

[TumbleGeorge]

Intel is quoting rules of law for warranty for a country that holds contempt for rules of law and wages real and cyber wars on the rest of the world. How f@%king pathetic.

Maybe is strange but maybe trade laws and war laws are different stories which isn't crossing.

 

[the54thvoid]

Wow. Just wow.

I've kept the posts that mention Intel, and sanctions.