A government order, adopted late last week, replaces and updates a widely flouted measure introduced four years ago.
Industry observers in Moscow say the order should lead to a renewed crackdown on piracy through new police drives to stop the sale of optical discs at outdoor markets and street-corner kiosks -- the principal point of sale for pirated DVDs in Russia.
Issuing the order also allows the Kremlin to demonstrate that it is getting tough with pirates ahead of World Trade Organization accession.
The country's lax record on stemming piracy has been among the key stumbling blocks to its membership in the world's top trade club.
Konstantin Zemchenko, head of the Russian Anti-Piracy Organization, which is backed by major Hollywood studios, applauded the decision to step up Russia's anti-piracy drive.
"Essentially this is not really a new law -- it simply adds computer software and databases to an existing list of banned products -- but at least the government is paying attention to piracy," Zemchenko said. "We can expect for a time to see the police pay a little more attention to street and kiosk sales."
He added that, in the longer term, addressing the lax attitude of police to the sale of pirated goods on Russia's streets is key, as the police often turn a blind eye to piracy in return for payment from vendors.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.