The idea of labeling Russian software created on the basis of open source code has been postponed. The Russian Ministry of Digital Development explained that it is too difficult in practice to determine exactly how much open source code is used within a specific program.
Previously, the introduction of mandatory labeling for products in the register of domestic software was discussed if they were created based on minimal refinement of open solutions.
The ministry considered such a measure premature. They explained that the depth of integration of solutions where open source code was used, the nature of refinements, and technical features vary greatly depending on the type of program. Because of this, each product would have to be evaluated separately.
The issue of stricter requirements for such software has been discussed for several years. Back in 2023, the Ministry of Digital Development proposed to allocate a separate category of suppliers who could prove a "sufficient level of processing" of open-source solutions.
At the same time, the ministry emphasized that the use of open source code itself does not mean low product quality or the absence of proprietary development. They also reminded that current rules already do not allow simple copies of open source software to be included in the register without refinement, vulnerability elimination, and technical support.
Instead of labeling, the authorities have opted for a trusted software mechanism. This concept was introduced by a law adopted in July.
Currently, there are almost 31 thousand programs in the Ministry of Digital Development's register. For a product to be recognized as trusted, the developer must confirm that the software is included in the Russian register, is compatible with at least one domestic processor, can only be updated with user permission and without foreign servers, and has technical support.
From March 1, 2026, trusted software should receive priority in government procurement. Market participants believe that mandatory labeling could create problems for young developers.
According to Vitaly Popov, director of the infrastructure projects department at "Softline Solutions", the share of open source code in the products of young vendors sometimes reaches 50–90%. With a strict approach, such solutions might not meet the criteria, even if they contain unique functions. At the same time, some experts believe that the market could be cleared of companies that only engage in "repackaging" open source software.
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