Russia Turns to AI to Spot Drug References in Books
By the end of fall, Russian publishers could be relying on neural networks to comply with strict new censorship laws.
Russia is preparing to launch an AI-powered program designed to flag drug-related content in books. The system will support publishers in meeting a new law requiring labels on works that mention narcotics, which goes into effect March 1, 2026.
The neural network will scan texts for descriptions of how to make, find, or distribute banned substances. Criteria for what counts as “propaganda” were developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Once flagged by the AI, texts will be passed to human editors for review.
Vladimir Grigoriev, head of the Department for State Support of Periodicals and the Book Industry at Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development, said he expects the program to be finalized in partnership with Roskomnadzor, the country’s media regulator, by the end of October.
