Russia: Introduced Bill amending law on protection of consumer rights to prohibit app stores from imposing discriminatory conditions (Bill No. 654254-8)

On 24 June 2024, the Bill amending law on protection of consumer rights to prohibit app stores from imposing discriminatory conditions (Bill No. 654254-8) was introduced to the State Duma. The Bill would amend the Law "On Consumer Protection" to incorporate regulations related to app stores, making them subject to the law and its secondary legislation. It defines an app store as a program designed to search, view, and purchase programs for electronic computing machines. The amendments include changes to Article 4, clarifying the procedure for compiling lists of technically complex goods and expanding regulations on app stores. The Bill specifies that consumers must be able to install, update, and make payments for programs using a single app store. It prohibits restrictions on the use of certain programs, setting conditions that impede their functionality, or limiting payment options within the app store. The Bill also restricts app store owners from setting discriminatory conditions for programs available through other app stores. The Government of the Russian Federation will establish lists of goods subject to these regulations. The Bill was introduced with the justification that a unified app store, RuStore, should be accessible on all devices. Further, it was argued that the Bills aims to address the actions of foreign manufacturers, like Apple, who have restricted access to and functionality of Russian applications in compliance with sanctions imposed on the country.