Dmitry Gusev, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Control, has put forward an initiative to expand the scope of self-restriction mechanisms in Russia, extending them to the domain of computer games. According to Gusev, such a measure could become an effective tool in combating video game addiction, which he believes has become a serious problem for many, often difficult to manage independently.
Gusev emphasized that the state should provide citizens with mechanisms for self-protection against destructive habits. He cited examples such as gambling or alcohol addiction, where self-restriction serves precisely this purpose.
At present, the exact method of implementing a “self-restriction on games” remains unclear. However, a model already exists for gambling: individuals who add themselves to a self-restriction list are prohibited by gambling organizers from participating, placing bets, or entering casinos and gaming halls. Furthermore, these individuals are subject to a ban on receiving promotional offers from gambling establishments and bookmakers.