In Russia, the future of ChatGPT within the legal framework is more likely to involve regulation than an outright ban. This perspective was shared with socialbites.ca by Andrey Andreev, a practicing lawyer who chairs the Moscow Bar Association “Andreev, Bodrov, Guzenko and Partners.” Andreev outlined a path where rules would shape how the technology is used, rather than a prohibition that would shut down access entirely for the public or businesses.
According to Andreev, the path forward will probably include targeted regulations that govern the deployment and operation of chatbots, with particular emphasis on monitoring content, preventing the spread of illegal information, and guiding use in specific sectors such as education. He pointed to recent incidents, including a controversial case at RSUH involving a student who used artificial intelligence to assist with a thesis, as a catalyst for policy discussions. These developments, he noted, highlight the need for a measured approach that balances innovation with safeguards, rather than an outright ban that would hamper technological progress.
Andreev argued that banning a technology outright is impractical because ChatGPT is a general-purpose tool rather than a single site or app. He explained that while OpenAI maintains an official website, access from Russia can be limited by the developer, and users may encounter obstacles that require circumventing measures such as changing network identifiers or using foreign numbers. He stressed that a broad blocking of the technology would still leave room for alternatives or clones that could replicate the same capabilities, complicating enforcement and leaving gaps in regulatory oversight.
Beyond the official platform, Andreev noted a proliferation of ChatGPT-like clones across social networks, often presented as bots. He warned that attempts to eliminate one channel would likely lead to the emergence of multiple new ones, creating a persistent challenge for regulators and platform owners alike. The underlying dynamic is that the technology tends to migrate to various digital ecosystems, making complete suppression difficult and potentially counterproductive for consumers who rely on AI-assisted tools for study, work, or everyday tasks.
There is also discussion about new developments in messaging apps, with rumors of official integrations that would bring AI-powered capabilities to popular platforms. In one scenario, a built-in neural network similar to ChatGPT could be introduced within a widely used messaging service, selectively accessible to subscribers of premium tiers. This possibility underscores the broader trend toward tiered access and vendor-controlled features, which would require thoughtful policy design to prevent inequities and ensure safe use while preserving innovation and user choice.