Russia Turns Business Inspections into a Digital-First System
AI, drones, and a national inspection app are transforming how the Russian government monitors businesses — making oversight faster, cheaper, and more transparent.
A Smarter Kind of Oversight
Russia’s government is digitizing its entire system of business inspections. By the end of 2026, 80 percent of all checks will include digital documentation, and many will be conducted remotely. The reform relies on drones, artificial intelligence, and a unified mobile app called "Inspector" that handles photo and video verification in real time.
According to "Rossiyskaya Gazeta", the total number of inspections dropped in 2025 — but their efficiency increased dramatically. The "Inspector" app is now used eight times more often than a year ago. Drones have taken over monitoring large industrial and construction sites, while AI algorithms analyze video streams and documents, identifying potential risks and violations before human inspectors even get involved.
Drones and AI Take the Field
The technology has proven particularly effective in veterinary and environmental supervision. Neural networks process millions of data points and alert authorities to inconsistencies before on-site visits take place. This reduces administrative pressure on businesses and minimizes the human factor in decision-making.
By 2026, four out of five inspections are expected to be digitally recorded, and a significant share will occur fully online. For entrepreneurs, the change means less paperwork, fewer surprise visits, and greater transparency. The new approach redefines government oversight — shifting from punitive control to preventive partnership, where trust and development take center stage.
