Examination of the evolution of cyberspace and governmental efforts to shape its pace and directions represents an interesting example to apply the lens of public choice theory. Some authoritarian regimes have enthusiastically embraced the digital transformation and found ways to introduce advanced technological solutions in various spheres, showing even better figures of digitalization than many Western democracies. In order to understand these trends, it is useful to look at the business interests that stand behind many activities in the technological sphere and their connection to the powerful state actors. The attempts of the Russian government to participate in the digital domain present numerous cases of incorporation of private interests in state cyber initiatives and legal statutes. However, the most unpleasant aspect of this phenomenon is that the Russian digital experience is not significantly different from what can be identified in Western countries. And if the true nature of the Russian government has become increasingly clear over the last two years, then perhaps it is also the time to scrutinize Western public policies more thoroughly in the light of public choice theory.