The Ministry of Digital Development is currently drafting new regulations for pre-installed AI assistants on smartphones. The proposal introduces a new category called 'system assistant,' which would gain extended access to operating system functions. Reports suggest that Yandex's Alice AI may be the first service to fall under these new requirements.
Under the proposed rules, these assistants could become mandatory pre-installed applications, similar to the RuStore platform. The project also explores the possibility of making these services impossible to delete through standard user actions. Furthermore, the assistants would receive system-level permissions, including background operation, automatic updates, and constant voice command monitoring.
Industry representatives have raised concerns regarding the feasibility of these requirements. Since most smartphones and operating systems are developed outside of Russia, manufacturers argue that granting third-party applications such deep system access is technically difficult. They also warned that background updates without user consent could conflict with existing security architectures.
Market participants have requested a minimum five-month adaptation period to comply with the new rules. They also noted that these modifications could lead to increased smartphone prices and potential supply chain complications for foreign models. Additionally, the industry has highlighted the need for clear regulations regarding data privacy and the handling of system information by AI assistants.
The Ministry of Digital Development emphasizes that while the installation may become mandatory, the actual use of the assistant will remain optional for consumers. The project is currently in the discussion phase, and the ministry is continuing to refine the document to address feedback from device manufacturers and distributors.
