Electronics manufacturers and sellers have asked for changes to amendments to the law on foreign investments. The FAS proposes to recognize any activity related to artificial intelligence technologies as strategic. RATEK fears that almost all modern equipment, from smartphones to washing machines, will fall under this wording.

Checks may affect Russian distributors with foreign participation of 5% or more. They will have to coordinate corporate deals with a government commission, which could slow down investments, supplies, and assortment updates.

RATEK proposes to control primarily developers of large fundamental models with more than 1 billion parameters. The ordinary sale of devices where AI only improves the camera, image, or operation of household appliances, according to the association, should not be considered a strategic activity.

Lawyers propose regulating technologies by risk level and explicitly excluding mass electronics. Otherwise, thousands of companies could fall under the new order, resulting in price increases, supply delays, and possible shortages. The FAS announced that it would consider the appeal.