The proposed law would bar RuStore installation and use on smartphones, extending beyond official channels to cover parallel imports as well. This point was highlighted by one of the bill’s coauthors, Anton Tkachev, who serves as First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, Information Technologies and Communications. According to Moscow 24, the measure marks a strategic step in addressing what critics see as discrimination against Russian users by Apple.
According to Tkachev, the bill represents the initial move toward ending what is perceived as Apple’s unequal treatment of Russian consumers. He also noted that the new rules would not lead to confiscation of devices brought into Russia by Russians who purchased gadgets abroad and cannot install Russian applications. This nuance is intended to ease concerns about losses for individuals who acquire devices outside the domestic market but still want to access local software ecosystems.
The deputy asserted that the legislation would undergo further refinement, with amendments informed by evolving circumstances. The goal is to determine points at which it can compel Apple to reconsider its approach toward Russian users. The discussion reflects broader policy aims to shape a domestic app distribution landscape while addressing concerns about digital sovereignty and access to locally developed software.
Earlier, lawmakers in the Senate and the State Duma, spanning multiple factions, indicated active engagement with a related bill that would limit both the installation and the use of RuStore on mobile devices. This ongoing debate underscores a broader TB of regulatory attention aimed at reshaping how third party app ecosystems function within the country’s smartphone market.
Reports also noted a proposal circulating in the Federation Council that suggested restricting the sale of iPhones in Russia due to the restrictions surrounding RuStore and related software policies. Such discussions reflect a persistent tension between foreign device availability and domestic digital policy objectives, with implications for consumers, retailers, and international technology companies operating in Russia.
As these deliberations continue, industry observers point to a shifting landscape where national legislators seek to bolster domestic software options while safeguarding consumer access and security. The evolving framework could influence choices for users, retailers, and manufacturers as they navigate compliance requirements and possible market adjustments. The discourse signals a longer term rebalancing of how smartphones function in the Russian market, including what software can be installed and how it is distributed.
In parallel, advocates of greater digital autonomy argue for policies that encourage domestically developed applications and alternative app stores, viewing these moves as steps toward a more self-reliant digital infrastructure. Critics, however, caution that such measures could complicate consumer experiences, potentially limiting access to global services and the broader app economy. The debate thus centers on balancing regulatory priorities with practical user needs and market dynamics.
Observers note that any final statute would likely include transitional provisions and compliance timelines to minimize disruption for current device owners. The legislative process is expected to feature hearings, stakeholder consultations, and ongoing public debate before any enactment. In the interim, questions remain about how enforcement would be implemented, what constitutes permissible use on devices, and how exemptions for imports might affect practical outcomes for users and sellers alike. The evolving policy environment continues to draw attention from tech companies, consumer groups, and policymakers across the country, as they monitor developments and assess potential impacts on pricing, availability, and device choice in the Russian market. [citation: Moscow 24]