Russian Software Developers Oppose Software Reliability Labeling in Ministry of Digital Development Registry

During a recent meeting of the Public Council under the Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation, representatives from the Association of Russian Software Developers (ARPP «Domestic Software») and the Association of Computer and Information Technology Enterprises (APKIT), along with the Commission for IT Industry and Information Security, voiced their opposition to the proposal of labeling Russian IT products based on reliability criteria. This information was shared by Natalia Kaspersky, president of InfoWatch Group, on her Telegram channel.

Participants believe that such labeling could lead to confusion. The products are already listed in the registry of domestic software, and introducing a new criterion could provoke protests and lawsuits from companies that do not receive the label. Evaluating the reliability criterion would require complicated testing, and the Ministry lacks the resources for this. Any developer would claim that their product is reliable.

At the time of writing, there are 26,000 entries in the registry. A re-evaluation would take months of work. Kaspersky also pointed out that reliability is a relative concept, and a universal reliability criterion would not address the specific needs of individual clients. The meeting also covered the development of the creative economy, telecommunications, and IT exports.

Bella Cherkesova, the Deputy Minister of Digital Development, reminded attendees that the ministry oversees seven out of the sixteen sectors of the creative industries, which contribute over half of the added value in the creative economy. In terms of growth rates over the past five years, creative industries are leading among major sectors.

Cherkesova highlighted the increasing interest in Russian digital products, mentioning that online cinemas are receiving both private and state investments, which have enabled them to successfully fill the gap left by Western content since 2022.

Alexei Goreslavsky, chairman of the Public Council under the Ministry of Digital Development, noted a rise in disputes between content rights holders and digital content producers. This stems from the use of AI without proper copyright arrangements, as contractors integrate AI elements directly into their production processes. However, when delivering finished materials, the question of copyright clearance arises.

Goreslavsky proposed the establishment of a separate body within the Public Council to develop recommendations on the use of AI in content production, involving representatives from the largest IT companies in the country.