● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 neutral
Putin uses unlicensed Windows on Dell PC for online vote, visible in official Kremlin clip
Key points
- Putin voted online in State Duma elections.
- Official video showed an 'Activate Windows' watermark.
- He used a foreign-made Dell computer.
- Russian law mandates localized technology for officials.
Online Voting Event
Russian President Vladimir Putin participated in online voting for the State Duma elections. An official video released by the Kremlin captured this event, showing Putin casting his vote.
Unlicensed Software and Foreign Hardware
The video footage revealed an 'Activate Windows' watermark on the screen of the computer Putin was using, suggesting an unlicensed copy of Microsoft Windows. Additionally, the computer was identified as a Dell PC, a foreign brand. This contrasts with Russian regulations that require officials to use computers with specific levels of localization.
Context of the Elections
The State Duma elections are for deputies to the 9th State Duma. Russian state media reported that residents of recently incorporated Ukrainian territories, including the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, and the Kherson and Zaporozhye Regions, participated in these legislative elections for the first time.
Public Reaction and Implications
The appearance of unlicensed software and foreign hardware in an official Kremlin clip has generated discussion. The use of a Dell PC and an unactivated Windows copy suggests the machine might have been set up specifically for this public voting event, potentially separate from standard government IT infrastructure.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Russian President Vladimir Putin was filmed casting an online vote for the State Duma elections on a Dell PC running an unlicensed copy of Windows, indicated by an 'Activate Windows' watermark. This event drew attention due to the use of foreign hardware and unactivated software, despite mandates for Russian officials to use localized technology.