TITLE: Russia Implements Consumer Protection Laws and Migration Restrictions in March BODY: On an unspecified date in 2025, Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, announced several laws coming into force in March 2025 designed to protect citizens and regulate financial services and migration. The legislation introduces a state anti-fraud system ("Antifrod") to enhance detection of fraudulent activities and facilitate information sharing between government agencies to prevent crimes. Online subscription services are now prohibited from automatically charging renewal fees if users have declined to continue their subscriptions. Microfinance organisations are required to notify the Central Bank of Russia (Bank of Russia) of attempted consumer loan agreements concluded without voluntary client consent. Additionally, the laws expand grounds for terminating employment contracts with foreign nationals working in Russia. Employers may now terminate agreements with foreign workers not only to comply with federal restrictions but also regional limitations. Volodin characterised this as a further step in regulating the migration sector, noting that 22 federal laws on migration have been adopted since 2024. Volodin stated that these measures are collectively aimed at protecting citizens from fraudulent activities and potential financial losses, while also addressing migration regulation. The specific effective date in March 2025 was not detailed in ... (1617 chars total)

TITLE: Russia Prohibits Automatic Debits from Unlinked Bank Cards from March 1, 2026 BODY: On February 24, 2026, Russia announced new consumer protection measures restricting automatic payment collection practices. The changes, enacted through Federal Law No. 376-ФЗ of October 15, 2025, amend Article 16.1 of the Russian Law on Consumer Rights Protection (Law No. 2300-I of February 7, 1992). The legislation prohibits service providers from using previously provided payment details or digital payment information for recurring charges when a consumer has explicitly refused to use those credentials with a specific service. Service providers must now accept such refusals in electronic form. The measure applies to all subscription-based services delivered online via websites, information systems, or applications. The new rules aim to strengthen consumer protections by preventing unauthorised continued debiting from bank cards that consumers have actively delinked from services. This addresses situations where consumers withdraw consent to use particular payment methods but service providers continue charging them automatically. The prohibition ensures consumers maintain control over which payment instruments are used for recurring transactions and establishes a clear mechanism for withdrawing consent electronically. The amendments come as part of broader Russian consumer protection reforms addressing digital payment practices. Service providers operating subscription-based mod ... (1908 chars total)