Operators holding licenses to provide communication services in Russia will now have to furnish Roskomnadzor (RKN) with data enabling the identification of communications and user equipment on the Internet. This move is aimed at preventing access to restricted information in the country and safeguarding citizens from potential harm, as reported by “Vedomosti” citing official documents released by the regulatory department.
According to the publication, RKN will be empowered to obtain data on Internet users who visit websites blocked within Russia. The explanatory note indicates that this directive is part of compliance efforts with Law No. 216 of August 8, 2024, which introduces amendments to the existing legislation related to information dissemination. These amendments specifically target materials that degrade human dignity and social morality, or depict unlawful actions driven by hooligan or selfish motivations.
Communication service providers are expected to commence sharing required data with RKN within three months of the directive taking effect. The implementation of these new provisions will leverage technical means of threat counteraction (TSPU), a requirement mandated for operators since 2019.
As per the official document, operators are mandated to supply information for identifying communications and user equipment within 15 working days from the commencement of Internet access provision services or when a new service operator joins their network infrastructure if the latter is already providing Internet access services.