The Russian government is considering a mandate to pre-install the RuStore application store on all Smart TV devices. A draft resolution prepared by the Ministry of Digital Development has been published on the official portal for legal acts, proposing updates to the list of mandatory software for televisions.
The Ministry is required to submit final proposals regarding these adjustments by March 1, 2027. According to the department, this measure aims to guarantee user access to domestic services and facilitate the installation of applications that are currently unavailable through Google Play or Google TV platforms.
The Ministry of Digital Development clarified that the proposed regulation creates the necessary legal and technical framework for pre-installation. However, the actual use of the RuStore application by device owners will remain entirely voluntary.
Earlier this year, the ownership of RuStore changed hands. Dmitry Pankrushev, the director of the development company, acquired the store from the VK holding. Meanwhile, the Federal Antimonopoly Service has initiated a case against Apple for failing to pre-install RuStore on iOS devices as required by law.
