Russian authorities are discussing turning the Gosuslugi state services portal into a universal digital platform with social network features, according to two sources involved in developing the portal's strategy through 2035, the Izvestia newspaper reported. The proposed changes include a live news feed, thematic communities based on interests, and trusted family chats with a shared calendar.
Through such family services, users would be able to apply for government services on behalf of relatives or by their proxy. Other ideas include an aggregator of cultural, sports, tourism, and volunteer events, where users could create their own events and receive personalized recommendations.
Another planned feature is achievements — rewards for activity on the platform, which would offer bonuses and gifts from partners. The office of Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Grigorenko, who oversees the portal, confirmed the goal of building a “digital ecosystem.” Officials noted that every Gosuslugi user is verified, allowing for “maximally secure” interaction between citizens, businesses, and government agencies.
The portal currently has about 120 million registered users with verified accounts, said German Klimenko, chairman of the Digital Economy Development Fund. According to him, this makes it possible to turn Gosuslugi into a full-fledged ecosystem. Karen Kazaryan, director of analytics at the Digital Economy organization, said authorities have decided to follow a path similar to that of Yandex and Sber platforms, which combine financial services, shopping, navigation, entertainment, and communication.
Final decisions have not yet been made, the deputy prime minister's office stressed. The first changes could appear within the next few years.
Separately, the State Duma recently passed a law on “temporary restrictive measures” against Russians convicted in absentia who live abroad. Among other restrictions, they will be denied electronic government services, have their banking apps blocked, and be barred from real estate transactions.