Russia is considering making the pre-installation of domestic artificial intelligence systems mandatory on smartphones and other electronic devices, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s technological sovereignty.

The proposal is included in materials accompanying a draft law on AI regulation, The Caspian Post reports via Russian media.

The document, incorporating submitted initiatives, is expected to be finalized by the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation and sent to the government for approval by the end of February.

Officials in the office of Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko said that pre-installing domestic digital services is being considered as a measure to reinforce technological independence. The idea would ensure that users have access to Russian marketplaces, browsers, antivirus software, public services platforms, and locally developed large language models straight out of the box.

Details of the initiative are still under discussion. After collecting proposals through the ministry’s platform, authorities plan to draft a framework AI law along with specific implementation mechanisms.

Market participants interviewed by the newspaper described the development of homegrown AI solutions as a strategic priority amid current geopolitical conditions. At the same time, experts caution that mandatory pre-installation must be carefully balanced to avoid placing excessive burdens on electronics manufacturers.

According to Mobile Research Group, AI systems are currently pre-installed on around 7 per cent of smartphones sold in Russia. Analyst Eldar Murtazin estimates that figure could rise to 10 per cent by the end of 2026 if the initiative moves forward.