From foreign software to domestic software
The decree states that starting March 31, 2022, purchasers, with the exception of certain municipal organizations, must align their information infrastructure with new regulatory requirements. It emphasizes that critical information infrastructure forms a core part of the nation’s information ecosystem, guiding the way health, industry, communications, transport, energy, finance, and urban life operate, and it defines those systems as essential to the functioning of state and societal life. This framework places a premium on local control and resilience in technology that underpins daily operations and public services.
According to the information provided by the state media, the term information infrastructure refers to a network of information systems and telecommunications networks that are indispensable for the smooth operation of key sectors of life and state administration. It also notes that obtaining the necessary services to run foreign software within these facilities is forbidden unless an agreement is reached with the federal executive body authorized by the government. This creates a formal mechanism for authorities to regulate technology choices in critical environments.
Looking ahead, the decree sets a clear milestone: from January 1, 2025, public authorities and customers are prohibited from using foreign software in important critical information infrastructure facilities. In the meantime, migration to domestic development programs is expected to proceed. The text explains that these steps are designed to safeguard technological independence and strengthen the security of the nation’s critical information infrastructure.
In response to these shifts, the president directed the government to develop and approve the requirements for software used by government officials and government customers within a month. Additionally, the Cabinet is tasked with approving rules governing the purchase of such software.
Anti-sanction measures
During February and March, several IT companies withdrew from the Russian market, including major players such as Microsoft, IBM, Dell, Cisco, Asus, AMD, and Intel. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin outlined a set of measures aimed at stabilizing the domestic tech industry. These include tax relief for IT professionals, exemptions from certain regulatory inspections, and access to favorable credit and mortgage programs to support ongoing work and new projects. The policy package is designed to maintain expertise and capacity within the domestic tech sector despite external pressures.
To bolster the broader economy in the face of sanctions, the government signaled a series of adjustments to public procurement rules. Some of these changes have already been approved by the State Duma. Notably, terms allowing purchases from a single supplier have been expanded. Under existing and upcoming contracts, federal, regional, and municipal authorities will retain the right to revise terms to reflect evolving conditions.
The government procurement framework also expands the use of single-source contracts, a tool previously employed during the pandemic when competition was limited to prevent or mitigate the epidemic. This mechanism remains available when it is deemed necessary to preserve essential goods, services, or infrastructure.
In mid-March, authorities introduced a priority action plan aimed at sustaining economic development amid external sanctions. The document outlines the consideration of designating a consolidated contractor specifically for the purchase of computer and telecommunications equipment. The Ministry of Digital Finance, the Ministry of Finance, and the Federal Antimonopoly Service are identified as the responsible agencies for driving this initiative.
Overall, the emphasis is on preserving operational autonomy, accelerating the transition to domestically developed software and platforms, and maintaining resilience across critical sectors. The evolving policy landscape seeks to balance rapid modernization with robust safeguards, ensuring the government and its customers can continue to function efficiently even under external pressures. The intent remains to strengthen the self-reliance of the nation’s information infrastructure while preserving continuity of public services and economic activity.