FILE - In this file photo taken on Monday, July 9, 2018, a Russian soldier speaks on his smart phone during the 2018 soccer World Cup in St. Petersburg, Russia. Russian lawmakers have approved a bill prohibiting military personnel from using smartphones on duty, a move intended to block leaks of sensitive information on social media. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek, File)
MOSCOW: Russian lawmakers have approved a bill prohibiting military personnel from using smartphones on duty, a move intended to stop sensitive information from appearing on social media.
The bill approved by the lower house Feb 19 also forbids servicemen to post photos, videos and information about themselves, other soldiers and their relatives on the internet. The new legislation formalises restrictions on using smartphones and tablets earlier ordered by the Defence Ministry.
