Nokia is one of the many big technology companies that have decided to suspend sales of their products in Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine. The multinational confirmed this decision in early March, following in the footsteps of Apple, HP, Dell and others, which have also stopped offering their services in the territory governed by Vladimir Putin. The Finnish company, however, has not completely ceased its activity in the country. As reported by the New York Timesit continues to operate with equipment and software solutions that allow the Russian government keep your primary digital surveillance tool operational.
This tool, called SORM (system for investigative operational activities) is commonly used by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB, for its acronym in Russian). It allows have access to telephone conversations, emails, text messages or any other type of information that can be traced over the internet. It also works together with MTS, the largest telecommunications network in Russia. Also thanks to the solutions of hardware and software that Nokia has provided for more than 5 years.
A series of documents to which the aforementioned media has had access reveal that the Finnish company was not only involved in the development of SORM through the optimization and solution of connection problems between the aforementioned tool and MTS. As well was aware that they were offering their services in order to enable a Russian surveillance system.
The development of SORM was the company’s gateway to the Russian market
According to him New York Times, the business between Nokia and the Russian government “produced hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue” to the technology company. This collaboration, moreover, was Nokia’s gateway to the Russian market. Currently, it is considered as one of the main service providers for the operation of the networks of telecommunications companies in the country.
Several investigations concluded that the SORM system was used to intercept the calls, messages and information of Russian opponents who were assassinated by order of the Kremlin. As well to spy on Alexei Navalni, rival of Vladimir Putin and who is currently detained in Russia. Andrei Soldatov, an expert in Russian digital intelligence and surveillance, highlighted after reviewing the documentation obtained by NYT what without Nokia’s help “it would have been impossible” to develop this tool.
nokia answers
Nokia has been quick to respond to the investigation of the New York Times. The company alleges that Russian law required them to manufacture solutions that allow telecommunications companies to connect to the SORM system. They also assure that other countries also make “similar demands”, and that they must decide whether to offer solutions for them. However, Nokia denies having helped Russia spy on opponents through this tool, and has confirmed that they do not have the capacity to manufacture, repair or install SORM systems in the country.
“Nokia does not have the ability to monitor, access or interfere with any lawful interception capabilities on the networks our customers own and operate.”
Nokia’s statements about monitoring the surveillance program, however, are contradicted by documents obtained by NYT. These, in particular, show that the company had access to the floor plans of network centers that were linked to the SORM system. Also to installation instructions from one of the Russian companies responsible for manufacturing the surveillance tool. The aforementioned medium also confirms that the company sent its engineers to review the SORM system.
SORM continues to operate, and It is believed which is being used by the Kremlin as yet another weapon to spy on and silence those who spread information about the war in Ukraine.