The Russian government is planning to implement an initiative to “download” foreign online games. As part of this procedure, developers will need to open servers in Russia to store and process data of Russian users. In this respect reports publication “Kommersant” (“Kommersant”).
According to Kommersant, on November 9, the Ministry of Digital Development, Roskomnadzor and the Ministry of Economy discussed a possible “landing” with representatives of the gaming industry represented by the companies 1C, Lesta Games, VK Play and the Video Game Industry Development Organization. . Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko made a decision on the proposals of the parties: he considered them unfinished and instructed the Ministry of Digital Development to correct it.
Kommersant also noted that the Unified Gambling Regulator is currently drafting the relevant legislation. It was not shown at the meeting, but it is known that it contains requirements for developers to transfer servers to the territory of the Russian Federation, as well as pay a certain fee.
To carry out Chernyshenko’s instructions, the Ministry of Digital Development plans to convene a working group with the participation of domestic video game developers. The group will formulate industry definitions and also lay out the differences between video games and online casinos.
Formerly of the Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation will leave Director of the Cyber Security Department.