Russia to preinstall native apps on electronic devices

MOSCOW

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed a bill prescribing preinstallation of Russian software on electronic devices, including smartphones.

According to the text of the document, published on a government website, the law was adopted to help Russian programmers compete with foreign competitors.

"The list of electronic devices, the rules of putting and editing the list of programs that should be preinstalled and rules of their preinstallation will be determined by the government of the Russian Federation," the document said.

The list of devices includes smartphones, computers, laptops and television sets with a SmartTV option.

Retailers of electronic devices have voiced concern, saying the law may lead to development of poor-quality software.