Mandatory Parental Controls May Soon Be Required on Children’s Devices
A new legislative initiative in Russia proposes mandatory parental control software on children’s gadgets to limit exposure to harmful online content.
Toward a Safer Digital Space for Minors
The Russian State Duma is reviewing a proposal to mandate the installation of parental control software on mobile devices intended for minors. Introduced by Andrey Ryabokon, a legislator from Saint Petersburg, the initiative calls for stores to install filtering applications—free of charge—on phones, tablets, and other digital devices sold for children.
Ryabokon cites research showing Russia ranks among the top three countries with the highest incidence of vision problems among young people. The proposed legislation initially included fines of up to 10,000 rubles for non-compliance, but this punitive element has since been removed to focus on preventive measures.
According to the bill, the Russian government will define the list of ‘technically complex goods’ and the specific software requirements. However, experts have raised concerns over implementation mechanisms and the practical effectiveness of pre-installed software, particularly whether users will activate and properly use it.
Regulatory Trends and International Context
The initiative reflects a broader international trend toward regulating children’s access to digital platforms. In 2021, Russia enacted sanitary rules restricting mobile phone usage in classrooms. France followed in 2023 with laws requiring parental consent for social media access for children under 15. President Emmanuel Macron has since proposed a total ban for that age group unless the EU intervenes.
Australia approved legislation in late 2024 banning social media access for children under 16. Trials began in early 2025, and full implementation is expected in 2026. In the U.S., the proposed Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), reintroduced to Congress in May 2025, aims to impose strict obligations on tech platforms to mitigate risks like cyberbullying and harmful content. The bill also tackles ‘uncontrolled monetization of children’s attention,’ a hot-button issue among parents and lawmakers alike.
Domestic Impact and Cyber Hygiene
If adopted, the Russian legislation is expected to take effect in January 2026. The government is currently working on the technical specifications. While enforcement may prove challenging—children often inherit devices from parents, and SIM cards are rarely registered in minors' names—the initiative is poised to drive demand for domestic cybersecurity products.
The move underscores Russia’s growing focus on digital hygiene and online child safety. It could boost the development of local parental control apps and foster a market geared toward protecting young users from both harmful content and exploitative algorithms.
Expert Insight
Sergey Boyarsky, Chair of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, Information Technology and Communications, expressed cautious support for the initiative. ‘We must do everything possible to protect minors from potential online threats,’ he noted. ‘But the question is: how do we implement this effectively? Many children use hand-me-down devices, and SIM cards are not issued in their names. We’re not going to start checking children’s phones. If we legislate this, it must be enforceable. Ultimately, this is the responsibility of parents. They should have the freedom to decide which blocking tools and control apps to use.’
