Russia Proposes Data Rules for Foreign AI Tools

Russia's government has proposed new regulations that could ban or restrict popular foreign artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude unless they comply with strict data storage requirements, as part of a broader effort to regulate the AI sector and enhance digital sovereignty.

The proposals, published online by the Ministry for Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media, target cross-border AI technologies that transfer user data outside the country. Under the rules, AI models used by more than 500,000 people daily in Russia would need to store information on Russian users, including queries and dialogues, within the nation's borders for at least three years. Non-compliance could result in prohibitions or limitations on operations, according to the draft legislation.

The ministry stated that the measures aim to protect citizens from covert manipulation and discriminatory algorithms while aligning the digital space with traditional Russian spiritual and moral values. "The operation of cross-border artificial intelligence technologies may be prohibited or restricted in cases specified by the legislation of the Russian Federation," the proposals state.