Former president hints that Russia will legalize cracked software

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has said Russia may legalize the use of cracked software. He thanked the makers of software that make it possible to use paid software for free.

Medvedev mentions it’s an “intellectual property retaliatory action.” Many software companies are no longer allowed to trade with Russia due to sanctions imposed on the country after last year’s invasion of Ukraine. That is why Russia is dependent on cracked software, says Medvedev. The former president is known as the right-hand man of current president Vladimir Putin. He was president from 2008 to 2012 and prime minister from 2012 to 2020.

The politician thanks the developers who made it possible to use paid software for free. According to Torrent Freak Russia is working on legislation that would allow streaming services and movie theaters to show unlicensed movies. Because that is in violation of international treaties, they might pay for its use.