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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.
35 Articles
35 Articles
The internal intelligence service will have little more to justify its requests for Internet and mobile phone access cuts.
The Russian State Duma on Tuesday passed a law requiring internet and mobile service providers to submit to the FSB secret service and cut off their services at its request. The law largely copies a secret decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin last year, The Moscow Times reported.
Russia passes law letting FSB order telecom shutdowns by presidential decree
Russia’s State Duma has passed amendments to the Law on Communications that would allow the Federal Security Service (FSB) to block any communications in the country based on decrees from President Vladimir Putin. Lawmakers approved the bill at a plenary session on Tuesday, February 17, advancing it through both the second and third readings. Presenting the amendments and the vote took just two minutes. Under the measure, telecom operators must …
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...
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