The Russian government has approved Yandex as a default search engine on all devices sold in 2022. As stated by the order of the authorities, the Yandex search engine should be used “without additional settings (by default)”.
In addition, from 2022, Yandex.Browser and Kaspersky Internet Security will become mandatory for preinstallation on computers and laptops sold in Russia.
The Ministry of Statistics believes that the preinstallation of Yandex as a search engine will allow better alignment of the conditions for using Russian and foreign services.
In most cases, google is set by default. It is fair if Russians have a clear opportunity to change the search engine before using the device and choose a Russian service.
They also clarified that users will be able to select and install on their device any search engine from the list that the device manufacturer offers.
It should be noted that in June, the Russian Association of Internet Trading Companies (ACIT) opposed the preinstallation of search engine applications sold in Russia.
Concerns stem from the fact that some applications have additional features, such as built-in marketplaces and ad aggregators. According to the association, many ecosystem services like social networks VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, or the Yandex search engine have similar functionality.
