Russia enforces sweeping new laws on loans, healthcare and family travel
A series of new laws and regulations have come into effect in Russia, covering areas from consumer rights to healthcare and financial security. The changes aim to address issues like fraud, subscription transparency, and family travel convenience.
Among the updates, stricter rules now govern online loans, utility payments, and language use in public spaces.
From now on, online services in Russia can no longer automatically charge users for subscriptions if their linked bank card is removed or declined. This move seeks to prevent unexpected deductions and improve transparency for consumers.
In the housing sector, the deadline for paying utility bills has been extended from the 10th to the 15th of each month. Invoices will now be issued on the 5th instead of the 1st, giving residents more time to settle their payments.
Retailers, cafés, and restaurants must now display all signs and notices in Russian. However, registered trademarks remain exempt from this requirement. The rule reinforces the use of the national language in public-facing communications.
Medical students under targeted contracts will face stricter obligations. They must work at assigned healthcare facilities after graduation, with penalties for those who fail to comply. This ensures that publicly funded training directly supports the healthcare system.
Online streaming platforms must now block films that undermine traditional Russian values within 24 hours of a request from Roskomnadzor. The measure tightens control over digital content available to Russian audiences.
Families travelling with children under 12 will benefit from guaranteed adjacent seating on flights at no extra cost. Airlines must also inform passengers about flight conditions and waive correction fees if errors are made by the company.
A unified federal registry of pregnant women will launch on March 1. It will track pregnancy progress and newborn health data, aiming to improve maternal and child healthcare monitoring.
In the financial sector, mandatory biometric identification for online loans of up to 1 million rubles has already shown results. Since its introduction in mid-2024, fraudulent loan applications have dropped by 40-50%, according to the Central Bank and the Unified Biometric System operator. The steepest decline occurred in late 2024 and has continued into 2025.
The new regulations introduce stricter oversight in multiple sectors, from digital payments to public health. Consumers gain more protection against hidden fees, while families and medical professionals see clearer support systems. Financial fraud has also seen a significant reduction due to biometric verification requirements.
