The Russian media reports indicate that Intel's initial block on downloads began on February 25, 2022, and it appears to be based on the user's geographic location. That justifies Intel's statement that the changes weren't 'recent.' The Intel Driver and Support Assistant (DSA) downloads are now freely available to Russian users due to Intel's warranty obligations. Yet sources close to the matter tell us that Intel did initially block downloads in Russia for the software mentioned in the statement the company restored access in the latter portion of last year. Access to resources that meet driver update needs, such as the Intel Download Center and Intel Download Support Assistant (IDSA), are part of Intel’s warranty obligations.'

This includes compliance with the sanctions and export controls against Russia and Belarus issued by the US and allied nations. 'Intel continues to comply with all applicable export regulations and sanctions in the countries in which it operates. In April 2022 Intel announced that it was suspending its business operations in Russia,' we were told. 'In February and March 2022, Intel suspended all shipments to customers in Russia and Belarus respectively.

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