Russia Mandates Pre-Installation of Free AI Assistants on Gadgets

The Russian Ministry of Digital Development has prepared a draft government resolution amending the rules for pre-installing software on devices. The amendments would require that when a gadget is first turned on, the user must be offered the option to select a domestic or foreign AI assistant. The project introduces the broad concept of a 'system assistant', defined as an AI program allowing the user to interact with the device, operating system, and installed applications via voice, text, or visual input. Users will be able to choose from a list of available Russian and foreign solutions or decline installation altogether. All services on the list must be provided equal working conditions, including compatibility with device and OS vendors' solutions, update capability, user customization, and equal display in the interface. The pre-installed version must be free and persist after updates and factory resets. The document aims to give users the ability to choose services and does not mandate the use of any specific program, company, or platform. It also seeks to legally establish equal competitive conditions for Russian and foreign developers. Currently, Russia already has a law requiring the pre-installation of domestic apps on smartphones, personal computers, and other electronics sold in the country, which has been in effect since early 2021 and has been regularly updated. Notably, since September 2025, sellers are required to pre-install the messenger Max and the RuStore app store, but Apple has refused to comply, leading to a case opened by the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) in August 2026. According to a joint study by RBC Research Markets and Yandex conducted in December 2025, 86% of Russians already use AI services, with 'Alisa AI', ChatGPT, and Midjourney being the most popular models. A January 2026 survey by hh.ru found that 38% of respondents see AI as a good assistant, while 3% consider neural networks full-fledged team members.