Law Messenger
Changes to the rules for the distribution of audiovisual works in Russia: new requirements and restrictions
28.08.2025
On 31 July 2025 a new federal law was published which amends the rules for the issuance and revocation of distribution certificates1 for audiovisual works (the "Law") and may have a major impact on the activities of owners of streaming services and social networks in Russia. The changes will come into force on 1 March 2026.
Main changes
The Law makes the following key changes to the rules for the issuance of distribution certificates:
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The Law empowers the Russian Culture Ministry to issue examination reports on whether a film contains material that discredits traditional values. This report will constitute grounds for imposing a ban on the distribution of the film via streaming services and social networks.
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The law gives the Culture Ministry the right to amend previously issued distribution certificates to modify information on age restrictions. The distribution or screening of a film without having regard to changes made would be tantamount to distribution or screening without a distribution certificate.
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The law expands the list of grounds for refusing to issue a distribution certificate. The presence of material that discredits traditional values now constitutes one of those grounds.
Although the law does not contain a definition of "traditional values", a list of such values is contained in the Presidential Decree of 9 November 2022. That list is quite extensive, and it is possible that the Culture Ministry will issue regulations containing a modified list.
New obligations for market participants
The law introduces a number of new obligations for owners of streaming services and social networks.
Owners of streaming services
- Will be prohibited from distributing audiovisual works that discredit traditional Russian spiritual and moral values or promote the negation of those values.
- Will be obliged to cease distributing such works within twenty-four hours of receiving a relevant order from Roskomnadzor.
In the event of a failure to comply with these obligations, access to a film may be restricted and the owner of the audiovisual service may be subjected to administrative sanctions.
Owners of social networks
- Will be obliged to restrict access to audiovisual works on users' personal pages if a decision has been made in relation to those works to refuse or revoke a distribution certificate or an examination report has been issued to the effect that they contain prohibited material.
- Will be required to monitor their social networks in order to identify audiovisual works in relation to which one of the above decisions has been taken and take measures to restrict access to them.
Violation of these requirements may result in administrative sanctions for the owner of a social network, with an administrative fine of up to 4 million rubles imposed for a first offense2.
These changes strengthen control over the content and distribution of audiovisual works via streaming services and social networks. Market participants will need to bring their activities in line with the new requirements.
The B1 team is ready to advise you on any issues related to the protection and use of intellectual property and content, including in light of the new requirements, and to help you adapt to changes in the law.
Show references
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[1] A document (permission) that is required for distribution on an audiovisual work in Russia
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[2] In accordance with part 2 of Article 13.50 of the Administrative Offenses Code of Russia
AUTHORS
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Dmitry Semenov
B1 Director
Legal Services, Tax, Law and Business Support. Specializes in a broad range of intellectual property matters
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Ivan Solonkin
B1 Staff
Legal Services, Tax, Law and Business Support
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