⚡️ 5G Russian-Style. Switching to Domestic Encryption Could Leave Millions of Smartphones Without Connectivity

Russia is preparing to launch 5G, but with one condition that could leave owners of iPhones, Samsungs, and other imported smartphones out in the cold.

The Ministry of Digital Development has proposed a project under which, from 2032, all connections to fifth-generation networks must be encrypted only with the domestic algorithm "Kuznechik."

Until that deadline, international standards (American AES, European SNOW, Chinese ZUC) can still be used.

Why is the algorithm called "Kuznechik"?

It is a block cipher developed by the Russian FSB in 2012. It is part of the GOST R 34.12-2015 standard and is considered one of the most reliable in the world.

But there is a catch: for it to work in 5G, it must be embedded not only in base stations but also in every smartphone chipset.

Chip manufacturers (Qualcomm, MediaTek) must obtain licenses and certification, which takes time and money. And whether they are willing to invest resources in the Russian standard is a big question!
⁉️ Foreign manufacturers are unlikely to embed "Kuznechik" — our market is too small for them (about 2% of the global market).

Moreover, Russia was excluded from international standardization bodies back in 2022. After 2032, smartphones will not be able to connect to 5G networks.

iPhones, Samsungs, and the like face an unenviable fate)

👉 Many should prepare via the link