Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has been given broad powers to shut down the internet, mobile networks and other communications services across the country in response to undefined "security threats." The new law, passed by the Russian State Duma on January 27, allows the FSB to order a complete shutdown of communications at any time.
The law requires telecommunications operators to immediately suspend the provision of services upon receiving a directive from the FSB, index.hr reports.
This provision applies to all forms of communication, including broadband internet, mobile and fixed telephone services, and messaging platforms. Service providers are legally protected from any financial liability for disruptions caused by compliance with the legal provisions.
"Unprecedented level of state control"
The UK Ministry of Defence has said the law introduces "an unprecedented level of state control" over Russia's digital infrastructure.
Due to the very broad legal definition of "communication services", the FSB can now legally intervene in almost all data transmission channels, including voice calls, text messages, video and all internet traffic.
This move, the British government adds, fits into a broader pattern of strengthening state control over the Russian information space, a trend that accelerated significantly after the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the government to draft additional restrictions targeting software from countries that Moscow designates as "hostile," according to a list of presidential orders published on the Kremlin's official website.
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