Alimony Payment Tracking, Waste Management Incentives, and Allocating Half a Billion for Data Breach Prevention: The New Measures Proposed by May's Laws
Beginning May 1st, the fixed portion of pensions is set for a considerable boost for citizens over 80 and those with I group disabilities. Currently, their earnings are 8,908 rubles, but this amount will be doubled after the date.
Looking ahead, May will also usher in some significant changes across the Russian landscape. For instance, a law on personal data leaks is set to take effect on May 30, 2025, incorporating criminal liability for the illicit use, transfer, collection, and storage of citizens' personal data, with penalties reaching up to 10 years in prison, according to "Izvestia". For organizations, the fine for leaking special categories of information can reach up to 15 million rubles, with biometric data fines ranging from 15 to 20 million rubles. Repeated offenses may result in even heftier fines, between 25 to 500 million rubles.
Roskomnadzor will keep a close eye on timely notifications of personal data processing intentions, with violations incurring fines of 30,000 to 50,000 rubles for officials and 100,000 to 300,000 rubles for individuals and businesses.
A registry of alimony defaulters will make its debut on May 24, 2025, as maintained by the Federal Bailiff Service. The registry, beginning on that day, will include those already held responsible for non-payment of alimony and those wanted. To be removed from the registry, a defaulter must settle their dues in full.
Another change concerns the scrap fee for cars imported from the Eurasian Union, which could see an increase by 25% if the new rules governing its calculation are adopted in May. The scrap fee will then be calculated by applying a formula consisting of a base rate, plus the difference between the car's cost and confirmed expenses, multiplied by a correction coefficient. Customs will require a full set of documents confirming actual expenses at the time of import. If such documentation isn't provided, the fee will be calculated at the maximum rate, roughly equivalent to 60% of the car's cost.
The changes target a scheme associated with car imports from the Eurasian Union, exploiting preferential customs clearance conditions to reduce vehicle costs. These changes won't affect individuals purchasing cars for personal use, as the fee will remain at a preferential rate of 3,400 or 5,200 rubles for cars with an engine capacity of up to 3 liters.
Beginning in 2025, bloggers in Russia will receive specialized codes for their activities, which they must include in their registration documents. Failure to do so will prevent them from enjoying tax benefits, participating in the state procurement system, and could lead to additional tax audits.
There have been discussions about renaming Volgograd back to Stalingrad following a petition by Russia’s Communist Party leader, Gennady Zyuganov. President Putin echoed that a decision would only be made after gaining public support. Historically, the city was renamed Stalingrad in 1925 and Volgograd in 1961.
In May 2025, some changes in the import of foreign products without the right holder's permission came into effect. Some brands, such as car manufacturers KIA and Hyundai, were removed from the list, while electronics brands like Aeg, Ariston, Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, and others were added. The removal of South Korean car brands may be due to their plan to resume direct sales in Russia.
Lastly, recent geopolitical tensions have led to a rift between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia. In response to a U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal, Russian officials denounced the partnership, with Deputy Security Council Chair Dmitri Medvedev claiming Ukraine was "paying" for U.S. aid with national resources and Russian official Vladimir Rogov accusing Kyiv of "legally prescribed slavery".
I'm not sure if adopting the new policy-and-legislation regarding personal data leaks will have a significant impact on the general news, but it's scheduled to take effect on May 30, 2025. Organizations that leak special categories of information could face fines of up to 15 million rubles, while businesses failing to notify personal data processing intentions may be fined between 100,000 to 300,000 rubles.
Beginning May 24, 2025, a registry of alimony defaulters will be available, maintained by the Federal Bailiff Service. To be removed from the registry, a defaulter must settle their dues in full.
The scrap fee for cars imported from the Eurasian Union might increase by 25% if the new rules governing its calculation are adopted in May. Bloggers in Russia will also receive specialized codes for their activities, which they must include in their registration documents from 2025 onwards.
Starting from May 1st, the fixed portion of pensions is set for a considerable boost for citizens over 80 and those with I group disabilities. Their earnings, currently at 8,908 rubles, will be doubled after the date. The changes in politics related to pensions and alimony are more direct and immediate compared to the changes in policy-and-legislation, geopolitics, and the import of foreign products.
