June 21, 2026

QR, Codified


QR, Codified
A thing of the past? The Russian Life files

On June 19, Russian State Duma deputy Dmitry Svishchev announced that a unified state QR code payment method would be rolled out across the country September 1. The new system will allow patrons to pay retailers for goods in what officials say will be a convenient and secure way.

QR codes became widespread in Russia during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Reportedly, in stores today, checkout counters bear multiple QR codes for each bank, credit card, or financial institution through which a customer may want to pay. A unified system, in this case run by the state, will mean that a single QR code will cover all possible payment methods through the National Payment Card System.

From a Western perspective, the move to a state-arbitrated payment system seems alarming. However, the widespread repression in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has throttled internet technologies, with some indications pointing to a full-on state-administered domestic internet to replace international networking. A state-run messenger was recently rolled out, but flopped (not least due to the lack of poop emojis).

And so, a move towards convenience could also be seen as an initiative for control. 

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