Russian Gadget Makers Required to Offer Clear Opt-Out from Russian Software
In Russia, there is a regulation mandating the preinstallation of Russian apps on smartphones sold in the country. Now, lawmakers are proposing amendments to this law that would require gadget manufacturers to provide users with the option to choose their search engine and to offer a clear way to opt out of installing Russian software.
The government plans to introduce several changes to Decree No. 1867 starting March 1, 2022. These changes are set to be reviewed at the next meeting of the Subcommittee on Administrative Reform of the Cabinet Office. A source close to the government confirmed the upcoming meeting and its agenda to RBC.
According to the proposed amendments, manufacturers will be required to display a separate window for users to select their preferred search engine and, upon first startup, to provide a clear option to decline the installation of Russian apps.
Experts note that it is unclear what exactly is meant by a “clear” opt-out, and technical modifications to devices will likely be necessary.
Other Proposed Changes
- Adding e-book reader apps to the list of software required for preinstallation.
- Ensuring that preinstalled apps are displayed on the device screen in the same way (with the same or fewer steps to launch and use) as similar apps owned by the device manufacturer, the developer of its operating system, or their affiliates.
- Providing the ability to remove preinstalled apps.
The need for these changes arose due to difficulties encountered when using Russian apps: the selection screen can be skipped, and attempting to install them may trigger an error dialog, after which returning to the selection screen is only possible through the settings menu.
Anton Gorelkin, a member of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, commented: “By default, Apple smartphones come with Google as the search engine, with no option to choose Russian alternatives.”