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State Duma Passes Bill Giving FSB Authority to Shut Down Internet and Mobile Services
The law removes security threat requirements and makes FSB shutdown orders mandatory, empowering the president to block communications without explanation, with 393 lawmakers approving it.
- In Moscow on Tuesday, lawmakers approved amendments to the law 'On Communications' in both the second and third readings, requiring mobile and fixed‑line internet providers to block services at the FSB's demand.
- Lawmakers introduced the bill late last year arguing it would protect Russians and state institutions amid rising disruptions, and earlier this month the original measure allowed suspensions after an FSB `request` tied to presidential and government normative acts.
- By the second reading, the amendments replaced FSB requests with binding demands and granted the president authority to set blocking conditions without explanations.
- Despite wide approval, thirteen dissenting deputies opposed the legislation, which passed with 393 lawmakers supporting it Tuesday.
- Authorities justified the measure by citing Ukrainian drone attacks, and Rustamova says FSB shutdown orders are based on a secret decree signed by President Vladimir Putin in August.
32 Articles
32 Articles
The Russian state's interference with Internet usage is becoming more and more massive. Now the Duma adopts a change to the law on mobile switching in certain cases.
In Russia, two new laws have been adopted that significantly strengthen state control over mobile users. Officially they are explained by the fight against cyber fraud, but in practice they turn ordinary SIM cards into a tool of mass surveillance, limiting freedom...
The new provisions allow the country's leadership to order the shutdown of the internet for the entire country or for a specific region.
The Duma approved in third and final reading a law granting new powers to the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB). The internal security services will soon be able to interrupt telephone links, the mobile internet and the fixed internet, without having to officially justify their decision. The law will enter into force ten days after its signature by President Vladimir Putin.
Russia is significantly expanding its control over the Internet and is now allowing FSB, among other things, to shut down mobile and the Internet.
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