A new law signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin will broaden the reasons for denying distribution licenses to films, set to take effect on March 1, 2026. The legislation, which was published on the official legal information portal, introduces new restrictions on film content.

Specifically, films that are deemed to discredit traditional Russian spiritual and moral values, or promote the denial of these values, will be ineligible for distribution permits.

The Ministry of Culture will have the authority to modify existing distribution certificates to update information regarding the prohibition of film distribution among children. Furthermore, streaming platform operators will be required to remove content flagged by Roskomnadzor (the Russian communications regulator) within 24 hours of receiving a request.

The State Duma reviewed the bill starting in December 2024 and finalized its adoption in mid-July. During the legislative process, a provision requiring distribution licenses for all content on online cinema platforms was removed by the second reading.