Russian authorities are seriously targeting a fundamental change in the digital landscape for minors. According to recent statements, between 2027 and 2028, the country may introduce strict restrictions on children's and adolescents' access to social networks and AI chatbots. This initiative comes from the relevant State Duma committee and has already been deemed "inevitable."
Global trend or sovereign necessity?
The lawmakers' argumentation is based on two key points. First, it follows a global trend: restrictions for children are already being introduced in Australia, EU countries, the Middle East, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and China. For example, France is preparing to block access for those under 15, Spain for those under 16, and Greece will implement similar measures for audiences under 15 starting January 1, 2027. Second, it is emphasized that states that first adopt such regulations will gain a competitive advantage.
However, as an analyst, I am more interested in the internal logic of this decision. The ban is planned to extend not only to social networks but also to video games and AI chatbots. The main message is health protection: deteriorating eyesight, posture, and loss of ability to concentrate on complex information. This is a standard set of arguments, but in the context of AI, it takes on a new, deeper meaning.
Dual strategy: ban and teach
Alongside the restrictions, authorities propose introducing basic lessons on the fundamentals of using artificial intelligence for children from the age of 14. This seems like a logical continuation of the already adopted course on AI education in schools. Starting September 1, 2026, Russian schools will introduce an "Artificial Intelligence" profile as part of advanced computer science.
Here we encounter a key paradox. On one hand, the state is forming a technology management system: the State Duma has already approved a framework law on AI regulation, dividing models into sovereign and national ones, and the government is scaling up the implementation of dozens of "smart" services within its own apparatus. On the other hand, children are simultaneously being shielded from uncontrolled use of AI and taught to work with a technology around which alarming data is already accumulating.
My analysis: risk of a counterproductive effect
Research from leading global universities shows that active use of neural networks reduces the ability to solve problems independently. According to VTsIOM, about 70% of Russian citizens already use AI. If scenarios like "solve it for me" rather than "give me a hint" enter school practice, the educational effect could be the opposite of the stated goals.
My professional opinion: Instead of a total ban, which in the era of VPNs and bypassing blocks will have limited effectiveness, it would be worth focusing on creating high-quality, verified educational AI products for children. A ban without an alternative is a path to digital ignorance, not digital literacy.