Russia Is Developing Foundational Standards for the Digital Economy
Russia is drafting foundational regulations for its platform-based digital economy, aiming to balance market protection with space for rapid technological growth
Building the Legal Framework for a Platform Economy
Russia is developing key regulatory documents governing the platform economy—an ecosystem in which marketplaces and internet services act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers. The proposed legislation is expected to take effect in 2026. The working group includes representatives of the country's largest IT companies, business associations, government officials, marketplaces, and online retailers.
The group will review proposed legal definitions, evaluate the feasibility of new requirements, and assess their relevance. First Deputy Minister of Economic Development Maksim Kolesnikov emphasized the importance of balancing regulatory strictness—needed to protect all market participants—with creating room for innovation and growth within the platform economy.
Modern Legal Practices and Global Leadership
All operators within the emerging economic system are expected to be included in an official registry. The definition of a digital platform will also be clearly codified. The working definition states that it is “an information system or website on the internet, software for electronic computing machines that provides technical, organizational, informational, and other capabilities for interaction among an unlimited number of parties, including for the exchange and dissemination of information, the sale of goods, and the performance of work and services.”
Russia is positioning itself as a global leader in digital regulation. More than 30 countries have already signed the Russian code of conduct on the use of artificial intelligence. Lawmakers are also working on legislation governing gaming, copyrights, AI deployment, the digital ruble, and other digital products.
