What will change in the lives of Russians from September 1, 2025: new laws and bans

On September 1, a whole range of laws and rules that will affect different areas of life – from the Internet and education to finance, medicine and transportation – came into force in Russia. Most of the changes concern the digital environment, the rights of citizens and requirements for companies.

Internet and digital environment

It is now an offense to intentionally search for “extremist materials” online. It is punishable by a fine of 3,000 to 5,000 rubles. The use of a VPN in the commission of any crime will be considered an aggravating circumstance.

The Russian messenger Max and the RuStore app store must be pre-installed on new smartphones, tablets and computers. In addition, the lack of the ability to install apps from third-party sources is equated with a shortcoming of the device.

Advertising on sites recognized as “undesirable” and “extremist” by organizations is banned. This includes Meta*, which owns Instagram*.

Adds are banned on sites recognized as “undesirable” and “extremist” organizations.

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Transferring your SIM card to third parties is now illegal. Violations are punishable by a fine and in some cases imprisonment. The law sets out three main categories of people who will not be prohibited from sharing their phone:

• family members and close relatives;
• any representatives of the authorities (but only in the performance of their official duties);
• any representatives of emergency operational services (also in the performance of their official duties).

For ordinary citizens the punishment will be from 30 thousand to 50 thousand rubles. And only those offenders whose “actions do not contain signs of a criminally punishable act” will be fined. But the organizers and participants of the illegal “activity on the transfer of subscriber numbers” will face criminal punishment. If they implemented the scheme out of self-interest or in order to commit another crime. Under the new Article 274 of the Criminal Code, the maximum penalty for organizers will be imprisonment for up to three years, and for participants – up to two years.

Education and public sphere

Since September, the program “Talking About Important Things” will be introduced in kindergartens in 22 regions of the country. Previously, it was only available in schools.

Foreign agents are now prohibited from engaging in educational and outreach activities in Russia.

Finance and protection of citizens’ rights

Banks have new responsibilities to protect customers. There is an opportunity to appoint a trusted person who can respond to suspicious transactions (such a function was previously available at T-Bank, for example). A “cooling-off period” has been introduced for loans of 50,000 roubles or more – loan disbursement will be delayed for at least four hours, and for larger amounts the waiting period has been increased to two days.

The procedure for calculating wages, vacation pay and severance pay has changed: bonuses, allowances and other additional payments are now taken into account.

Social sphere and medicine

Adolescents from 14 to 18 years old have been allowed to work officially during school vacations and weekends with the consent of parents and guardianship authorities.

Reproductive health examinations have been included in the compulsory medical examinations from the age of 6, whereas previously they were only available from the age of 14.

An examination of reproductive health has been included in the compulsory medical examinations from the age of 6.

Maternity benefits for female students have been increased – payments can reach up to 90,000 rubles.

A new law has been introduced to increase the amount of maternity benefits for female students.

Transportation and safety

The list of medical conditions that restrict the right to drive has been expanded. It now takes into account certain psychological and autistic disorders.

The time to test for intoxication has been increased from 15 to 25 minutes. Penalties for obstructing emergency vehicles have been increased.

* Belongs to Meta, it is recognized as an extremist organization in the Russian Federation and its activities are banned.