Russia may change laws to allow for software piracy Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Russia may change laws to allow for software piracy To counter sanctions against the country. News by Ed Nightingale News reporter Updated on 10 Mar 2022 78 comments The Russian government may be changing its laws to allow for software piracy. The news comes in the face of sanctions against the country limiting access to technology and software following its invasion of Ukraine. Tech companies like Microsoft, Apple, Sony and Adobe have pulled products and services in Russia, while many games companies have also followed suit. According to Torrent Freak (thanks PC Gamer), the "Priority Action Plan for Ensuring the Development of the Russian Economy in the Conditions of External Sanctions Pressure" has been proposed by the Russian Ministry of Economic Development. If adopted, the proposal will impact copyright, patent and trademark owners acting against Russia's interests. One particular item in the proposal would remove punishments for software piracy. "Cancellation of liability for the use of software (SW) unlicensed in the Russian Federation, owned by a copyright holder from countries that have supported the sanctions," it reads. It means criminal or civil penalties for pirating software would be waived, as long as the software originates from a company supporting the sanctions against Russia. The proposal is aimed at allowing Russian businesses to continue to operate using existing software, many of which require a subscription via the cloud or online verification so are impossible to use without access to servers. The proposed law would seemingly also cover videogames. This would be an unprecedented move by the Russian government. Earlier today Nintendo suspended Russian product shipments, following similar moves by Microsoft, Sony, EA, CD Projekt Red, Activision Blizzard, and others. A Bundle for Ukraine has also been released on itch.io to support humanitarian efforts in the country. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Overwatch 2 suffers another DDoS attack and character roster bugs Mei Mei. 7 Nintendo Switch firmware update lets you take screenshots in the Switch Online app The app on your console, not your phone. 7 Latest Articles Atari will hold RollerCoaster Tycoon rights for another decade Ups and downs. 7 Jelly Deals Logitech's G Pro X gaming headset is its lowest-ever price during Amazon's Early Access sale Prime Members can get it for just £52. Jelly Deals Save over £500 off the retail price on this beefy ASUS TUF Dash gaming laptop from Amazon Under £1080 for an RTX 3070 laptop. Lady Dimitrescu will be a tad smaller in Resident Evil Village's Mercenaries DLC Level the playing field. 1 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store