Memorandum on Fair Practices for Digital Platforms Signed at the National Centre RUSSIA

---

The Memorandum on Fair Practices for Digital Platforms was signed by the leading digital platforms – RWB (Wildberries & Russ), Ozon, and Avito – as part of Platform Economy Day. The document commits the marketplaces to early implementation of several requirements from the law on platform economy (scheduled to take effect on 1 October 2026). These include enhancing engagement with partners and clients, introducing protective systems, ensuring reliable protection of users' personal data, and actively combating counterfeit products. The signing ceremony took place at the National Centre RUSSIA on 11 November.

"The main catalyst for the decision to sign the Memorandum was a combination of factors: market pressure, a request from the state, and a demonstration of the maturity of the business itself, which realised its responsibility. On the one hand, platforms that started with small volumes, with small involvement of sellers and buyers, are now a large part of the market. Non-food retail accounts for half of all sales that occur in the country. This expansion, the development of platforms and their sales volumes, really show the maturity of the market and an understanding of their role in development of the state. Digital platforms are providing a lot of projects that contribute to regional development. Therefore, the self-restrictions and self-regulation that they agreed on today are an important step in this direction," Maxim Oreshkin said.

By signing the Memorandum, the platforms have proactively pledged to early compliance with select provisions of the Federal Law "On Certain Aspects of Regulating the Platform Economy in the Russian Federation," which comes into effect on 1 October 2026. RWB (Wildberries & Russ), Ozon, and Avito have confirmed their readiness to adhere to additional obligations aimed at enhancing quality and trust in the digital environment.

The adoption of fair practices will increase transparency of digital services, strengthen user rights protection, and boost trust in platforms. This includes creating conditions for sustainable growth of Russian companies in domestic and international markets.

"Russia has already adopted the 'Platform Economy Law,' which aims to both protect the rights of buyers and sellers and foster further development of digital intermediary platforms under unified rules. However, we see that the market is setting a frantic pace of turnover, with new business models and practices emerging. Therefore, businesses’ conscious and responsible approach is crucial here. If legislative reinforcement is needed somewhere, it will be based on the norms developed by the market itself," stated Dmitry Grigorenko, Deputy Prime Minister and Chief of Staff of the Russian Government, during the Memorandum signing.

The key areas featured in the Memorandum include supporting Russian manufacturers, developing effective communication with partners and consumers, implementing and modernising anti-fraud mechanisms, protecting personal data, and combating counterfeit products.

Participants emphasised that the Memorandum represents a significant step towards setting more effective rules for digital platforms, which will enhance trust in domestic digital infrastructure and promote the development of innovative services.

"The Memorandum is a new standard of industry self-regulation, which demonstrates the maturity of the sector and the responsible approach of major Russian platforms, who recognise their importance for the country's social and economic development. For partners of digital platforms, the Memorandum is a guarantee that we will continue to develop our mechanisms keeping their interests in mind, and that the adoption of the law does not mean platforms will cease improving their fairness standards," noted Tatyana Kim, Founder of Wildberries and Head of RWB.

The mission of digital platforms is to create innovative mechanisms that complement existing forms of market participant interaction, enabling everyone to find their niche and growth opportunities.

"The contribution of platformisation to the economy is not limited to online sales volume. It primarily involves the growth of small and medium-sized businesses, manufacturers entering new markets, job creation, and the development of related industries — from digital advertising to logistics. Today, we have taken an important step for the further development of the platform economy, which is uniting the efforts of major players to support Russian entrepreneurs and protect buyers. It establishes the foundation for fair competition and sustainable growth across the whole industry," commented Dmitry Kim, Vice President for Government Relations at Ozon.

According to the document, digital platforms serve as catalysts for positive change, fostering a healthy competitive environment and opening new horizons for businesses. Realising their potential helps generate consumer purchasing power, ensuring buyers have access to necessary goods and sellers can develop their businesses in comfortable conditions.

"We are convinced that transparency in the relationships between sellers, buyers, and platforms is not a requirement but a necessity. It enhances partners' trust, makes their work predictable, and creates a truly winning situation for all parties," stated Vlad Fedulov, Managing Director of Avito.

The signing of the Memorandum on Fair Practices for Digital Platforms took place as part of Platform Economy Day at the National Centre RUSSIA. The key topic of expert discussion was the rapidly growing potential of digital platforms in the global economy.

The discussions were attended by representatives from the Presidential Executive Office, the Government of the Russian Federation, the Federation Council and the State Duma, heads and representatives of ministries, agencies, and development institutions, leaders and representatives from Russian regions, business professionals, representatives of major business associations, and international experts.