Russia mulls soldier smartphone ban

MOSCOW: Russian lawmakers yesterday backed a bill that would ban soldiers from using smartphones while on duty to post online or give information to media. The bill bans troops from carrying “electronic devices” that can post video and photos online or reveal their geo-locations. It bans troops, conscripts and reservists from informing media or putting information online that reveals they or others are in the military, describes their duties or gives their location. It also bans giving out information about the actions of military commanders or the locations of military headquarters.