In March 2026, several important laws came into force in Russia. We draw your attention to the main changes.
1. Restrictions on the use of foreign words
The Law "On the Russian Language" introduces changes according to which, as a general rule, consumer-facing public information posted by sellers on signs, indicators, plates, websites, etc., must be in Russian. Such information includes, among other things, information about the manufacturer (contractor, seller, information aggregator), information about the consumer properties of goods, as well as terms and conditions for discounts and promotions.
Furthermore, when using the Russian language, the norms of modern Russian literary language must be observed, i.e., the rules contained in normative dictionaries, reference books, and grammars established by the Russian Government.
The placement of information in the official languages of the republics and other languages of the peoples of Russia, as well as in foreign languages, is permitted provided that such text is identical in content, placement, and formatting to the text in Russian.
At the same time, information containing foreign words that are trademarks/service marks protected in Russia or company names registered in the Russian Unified State Register of Legal Entities may be displayed in a foreign language without translation.
2. Restrictions on films
By the Law "On Traditional Values":
(i) the film's distribution certificate has been revoked; or
(ii) a report has been issued confirming that the film's content discredits traditional values – the report may be prepared by the Russian Ministry of Culture.
3. Ban on automatic debits for digital subscriptions
Amendments have been made to the Consumer Protection Law, introducing a ban on automatic debits for digital subscriptions from bank cards that users have refused to use for such debits.
This applies to any digital subscriptions paid for with Russian bank cards: streaming services, online movie theaters, cloud storage, games, educational courses, and apps with regular payments.
4. Disconnection of consumers from communication
According to new amendments to the Communications Law, telecom operators will be required to disconnect consumers from communication at the request of the FSB of Russia.
The document supplements the existing list of grounds for terminating the provision of communication, namely:
Specific cases in which such disconnections are permissible will be determined by decrees of the Russian President.
1. Restrictions on the use of foreign words
The Law "On the Russian Language" introduces changes according to which, as a general rule, consumer-facing public information posted by sellers on signs, indicators, plates, websites, etc., must be in Russian. Such information includes, among other things, information about the manufacturer (contractor, seller, information aggregator), information about the consumer properties of goods, as well as terms and conditions for discounts and promotions.
Furthermore, when using the Russian language, the norms of modern Russian literary language must be observed, i.e., the rules contained in normative dictionaries, reference books, and grammars established by the Russian Government.
The placement of information in the official languages of the republics and other languages of the peoples of Russia, as well as in foreign languages, is permitted provided that such text is identical in content, placement, and formatting to the text in Russian.
At the same time, information containing foreign words that are trademarks/service marks protected in Russia or company names registered in the Russian Unified State Register of Legal Entities may be displayed in a foreign language without translation.
2. Restrictions on films
By the Law "On Traditional Values":
- The issuance of distribution certificates for films that discredit "traditional Russian spiritual and moral values" is prohibited.
- The Russian Ministry of Culture has been granted the right to change or revoke distribution certificates that have already been issued.
- At the request of Roskomnadzor, owners of online cinemas and social networks will be required to remove films within 24 hours if:
(i) the film's distribution certificate has been revoked; or
(ii) a report has been issued confirming that the film's content discredits traditional values – the report may be prepared by the Russian Ministry of Culture.
3. Ban on automatic debits for digital subscriptions
Amendments have been made to the Consumer Protection Law, introducing a ban on automatic debits for digital subscriptions from bank cards that users have refused to use for such debits.
This applies to any digital subscriptions paid for with Russian bank cards: streaming services, online movie theaters, cloud storage, games, educational courses, and apps with regular payments.
4. Disconnection of consumers from communication
According to new amendments to the Communications Law, telecom operators will be required to disconnect consumers from communication at the request of the FSB of Russia.
The document supplements the existing list of grounds for terminating the provision of communication, namely:
- at the request of an agency conducting operational-investigative activities;
- at the request of the federal executive authority for control and supervision in the field of media, mass communications, information technology, and communications (the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media).
Specific cases in which such disconnections are permissible will be determined by decrees of the Russian President.