The Russian State Duma has approved a bill that restricts the use of foreign words in public spaces, with the aim of protecting the Russian language. The law, adopted in its second and third readings on Tuesday, June 17th, sets new requirements for the language used in providing information to consumers.

From March 1, 2026, all information intended for public viewing must be provided in Russian, the state language. While duplication in other languages is permitted, the Russian version must be identical in content and equivalent in placement and design.

The legislation aims to regulate public spaces and unify advertising rules, ensuring information accessibility and protecting consumer rights. Olga Kazakova, head of the State Duma Committee on Culture, emphasized the importance of regulating signs and public displays to influence language skills.

The new rules do not apply to company names, trademarks, or other cases established by federal laws. An important addition includes regulations for names of construction projects, requiring the use of the Cyrillic alphabet for commercial designations in advertising materials starting March 1, 2026.

The bill now moves to the upper house of the Russian parliament and then to the President for signing. State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin had previously instructed the committee on culture to prioritize the bill. The explanatory note to the bill states that common foreign words used on signs and shop windows should be replaced.