Telecom Operators Face Tougher Punishment under New Bill

Russian lawmakers have passed a bill that would impose fines on communication operators if they fail to establish a system of operational-search measures (SORM). SORM is responsible for retaining user traffic and facilitating surveillance by authorized state bodies in Russia. The legislation, passed in the State Duma’s first reading, adds new provisions to Article 13.46 of the Code of Administrative Offenses.
 
Starting on 1 January 2024, communication operators who do not install SORM will face administrative responsibility. A fine of between 0.001% and 0.003% of their annual revenue will be imposed for the first violation. Repeat offenders will face a fine of between 0.01% and 0.03% of their annual revenue.
 
The size of the fine will rely on the business activity of the operator and whether they are licensed for communication in the appropriate region of Russia where the violation occurred. The bill has yet to be passed in its second and third reading.