In the first reading, the State Duma of Russia approved amendments to the article “On Consumer Rights Protection”. According to the new version of the article, the sale of computing devices on which Russian programs are not pre-installed will soon be banned in the Russian Federation.
The new federal law is numbered No. 757423-7. Its name sounds like this: “On amendments to Article 4 of the Law of the Russian Federation “On Consumer Rights Protection”.
In accordance with the law, it says “about the need for the sale of certain types of technically complex goods, including programs for electronic computers, to ensure the installation of Russian programs for electronic computers on such goods.”
As explained in the Conclusion of the Legal Department of Russia: “It follows from the draft federal law that the sale of technically complex goods by foreign manufacturers is possible provided that Russian software is installed on such goods.”
It is also clarified below that “The refusal of foreign manufacturers of technically complex goods to use Russian software in them will affect the availability of these goods in the Russian consumer market.”
It is not yet known which devices will fall under the actions of the article, as well as which software will have to be installed. The list of both the first and the second will be established by the Government of the Russian Federation.
However, starting from the text of the law, it is clear that we can talk not only about smartphones, but also about any computing equipment in general, including computers and game consoles.
The Conclusion to the law also states that “subject to the establishment of Russian software for such goods, the purchase of these manufacturers from Russian software creators will be required.”
The law is promoted as a concern for the end user. They say that it “is aimed at providing Russian users with the opportunity to use the purchased equipment without the need to install additional applications.”
The new federal law may come into force as early as July 1, 2020. Now the law is at the stage of submitting amendments.
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