Russia enforces fines for websites using Apple and Google ID logins

The enforcement of these penalties marks a definitive shift in the Russian regulatory landscape, forcing a decoupling of international platforms from global identity stacks. For streaming services and digital providers, this necessitates a high-cost pivot to local authentication APIs and biometric integrations, introducing significant friction for user onboarding. The policy accelerates the creation of a closed-loop digital ecosystem where identity is centrally managed by the state, further fragmenting global operating models. Moving forward, observe the implementation of the Gosuslugi RuID mobile application, which becomes mandatory for visa-free internal residents by 2026, signaling deeper integration of digital identity and border control.

The recent enforcement of fines is the culmination of a multi-year effort to centralize digital identity under Russian sovereignty. While Federal Law No. 406-FZ initially introduced the ban on foreign identity providers in December 2023, the actual financial penalties were only finalized in June 2026. Per Meduza, the Russian State Duma passed amendments on June 9, 2026, establishing a sliding scale of fines: individuals are penalized 10,000 to 20,000 rubles, while corporate legal entities face up to 700,000 rubles for first-time noncompliance. President Vladimir Putin signed these amendments into law on June 26, 2026, closing a legal loophole that had allowed platforms to persist with foreign logins despite earlier prohibitions.

This legislative shift is paired with expanded digital surveillance for foreign nationals entering the country. According to reports from the Visa Support Centre at HSE University in May 2026, a new regulation effective July 1, 2026, mandates that visa-free foreign citizens use the "Gosuslugi RuID" mobile application for digital identification and biometric submission. This system, established under government decision No. 1510, requires travelers to upload facial recognition and biometric data at least 72 hours before arrival, effectively linking travel documents to the domestic e-government portal.

Industry responses have already been noted among major local players. Per Levelflow, Russian marketplace Ozon proactively disabled foreign identity providers for its user base ahead of the strict enforcement deadline. Simultaneously, the authorities have implemented advanced cryptographic requirements for integrations. Starting in 2025, systems connecting to the national authentication ecosystem are required to adopt KS3-class cryptographic protection tools certified by the FSB, according to internal government documents. These combined moves represent a significant technical and legal barrier for any international streaming or digital media platform attempting to maintain a standard global user interface within the Russian market.