RuStore expands with Likee and foreign apps amid regulatory backdrop

Foreign apps have begun to appear in RuStore, the domestic app marketplace. The popular Singapore-founded social network Likee was reportedly the first foreign service to surface on the platform. In a statement issued by VK, one of RuStore’s developers, the expansion of foreign applications has become a visible trend as the store grows. The figure cited by VK indicates that over four thousand publishers have already joined RuStore, and Likee stands out as the initial foreign entrant among them. VK further confirmed that every app added to the store, including Likee, underwent a rigorous two-factor verification process that combined antivirus scanning with manual auditing to ensure security and reliability for users. In addressing the question of future lineups, VK’s press service indicated that plans are in motion to bring additional popular foreign services and games to RuStore in the near future. These remarks also touched on ongoing discussions around popular messaging and social platforms such as WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, and the TikTok ecosystem, clarifying that negotiations are still in progress to determine how these services might integrate with or appear on the platform. Earlier developments in state policy included the Ministry of Digital Transformation publishing a cabinet-level proposal aimed at limiting preinstalled versions of RuStore on smartphones, signaling a broader strategic effort to shape the distribution ecosystem for mobile software in the country. The evolving dynamics of RuStore reflect a dual aim: expanding access to a wider array of international apps while maintaining a robust framework of verification and security safeguards that protect users in the digital marketplace. The continued activity in this space suggests a measured drive to diversify the catalog, foster healthy competition among developers, and provide Russian users with a broader choice of trusted applications without compromising device integrity or user safety. Observers note that the push to broaden the store’s roster aligns with broader trends in mobile software distribution, where regional marketplaces seek to balance local regulatory requirements with the access and convenience users expect from modern smartphones. As RuStore progresses, the collaboration between VK, the Russian tech community, and international publishers will likely shape how foreign services approach entry into the market, what security attestations are demanded, and how consumer confidence is maintained as the catalog expands. The story of RuStore’s growth is not merely a matter of listings and approvals; it also reflects a strategic stance on digital sovereignty, consumer protection, and the practical realities of keeping a popular app ecosystem safe, accessible, and vibrant for users across the country. In this evolving landscape, the role of regulatory guidance, platform governance, and industry partnerships will remain central to how quickly and smoothly foreign developers can establish a presence in RuStore, and how users experience these services in their daily digital lives, from messaging and social interaction to entertainment and productivity.”