Russian Government Sets Unified Rules for Major Digital Platforms
Parameters have been approved to define which platforms are considered systemically important to the digital economy.
Marketplaces, delivery services, taxi apps, and online service platforms will receive clear criteria for inclusion in a state register of intermediary digital platforms. The platform economy law is set to take effect in the fall of 2026.
The rules target the largest services with high user activity. When compiling the register, authorities will consider platforms’ real operational metrics rather than just their legal status. In particular, a platform must average at least 100,000 daily active users over the course of a year.
Beyond audience size, the framework also looks at a platform’s economic footprint. The threshold is set at annual turnover of at least 50 billion rubles ($~600 million). An alternative criterion is having no fewer than 10,000 sellers who have completed at least one transaction via the platform.
The law also defines a minimum set of required functions. Platforms must be able to publish offers, conclude transactions, and accept payments in digital form.
The register of digital intermediaries will be maintained by the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation. It will be public and published on the ministry’s official website.
Market Oversight and Consumer Protection
Platforms included in the register will be required to verify data on sellers and products through government information systems. This includes checking conformity certificates, declarations, and seller registration in the national product labeling system.
According to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, the new rules are intended to increase trust in online commerce.
